Influence of Yb2O3 on the 1.53 μm spectroscopic properties in Er3+/Ce3+ co-doped TeO2-WO3-Na2O-Nb2O5 glasses

The Yb2O3 component was introduced into the Er3+/Ce3+ co-doped tellurite glasses with the composition of TeO2-WO3-Na2O-Nb2O5 to study the effect of Yb3+ on the 1.53 μm spectroscopic properties of Er3+. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) curve and Raman spectrum were measured to investigate the structure nature of synthesized tellurite glasses. The absorption spectrum, upconversion emission spectrum and fluorescence spectrum were measured to evaluate the improved effect of Yb3+ concentration on the 1.53 µm band fluorescence of Er3+. Results of the measured 1.53 µm band fluorescence intensity show a significant improvement with the increase of Yb3+ concentration, while the total quantum efficiency reveals a similar increasing trend. The results of the present work indicate that Er3+/Ce3+/Yb3+ tri-doped tellurite glass has good prospect as a promising gain medium applied for the 1.53 µm broadband amplifier.