Spectroscopic and laser properties of Cr3+:Yb3+:Er3+: fluoride phosphate glass

Sensitization of the fluorescence of Er³⁺ in fluoride phosphate glass containing up to 20 mol% phosphates by codoping with Cr³⁺ and Yb³⁺ is shown. The low order of ligand field strength for Cr³⁺ (Dq/B=2.04) results in broad Cr³⁺ fluorescence overlapping the Yb³⁺ absorption. The electronic energy transfer efficiency approaches 100%. Deviations of donor decay from the Förster law are interpreted in terms of the inhomogeneously acceptor distribution. The electronic energy transfer efficiency of Yb³⁺ → Er³⁺ reaches a maximum value of 75% for glasses containing 20 mol% phosphates. The transfer is shown to be migrationally accelerated by means of GAF-LAF-FB theory. From Judd-Ofelt parameters a stimulated emission cross-section for the transition⁴I_13/2 →⁴I_15/2 of Er³⁺ of 6.2×10⁻²⁰ cm² is derived. The c.w. laser action of Er³⁺ by Cr³⁺ excitation and double-step energy transfer is shown. The output is tuned continuously from 1536 to 1596 nm. Flashlamp pumping is also shown.