Spectroscopic properties of fluorophosphate glass with high Er3+ concentration

Fluorophosphate glass with 4 mol. % ErF₃ content was prepared. The different scanning calorimetry was conducted. Raman spectrum, infrared transmission spectrum, absorption spectrum were measured. Fluorescence spectrum and lifetime of emission around 1.53 μm were measured under 970 nm laser diode excitation. The metaphosphate content in the composition is limited, but the maximum phonon energy of glass amounts to 1290 cm^-1, and is comparatively high. The full width at half maximum is about 56 nm, and is wider than for most of the materials investigated. The measured lifetime of ⁴ I _13/2→⁴ I _15/2 transition, contributed by the high phonon energy, inefficient interaction of Er³⁺ ions, and low water content, amounts to no less than 7.36 ms though the Er³⁺ concentration is high. This work might provide useful information for the development of compact optical devices. PACS 78.20.-e; 42.70.Ce; 42.70.Hj; 32.70.Cs