2.7 mu m fluorescence radiative dynamics and energy transfer between Er3+ and Tm3+ ions in fluoride glass under 800 nm and 980 nm excitation

A detailed study of the fluorescence radiative dynamics and energy transfer processes between Er and Tm ions in the Er3+/Tm3+ doped fluoride glass is reported. The fluorescence properties of 2.7 mu m emission, other infrared and visible emissions are investigated under different selective laser excitations. Three Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters, energy transfer microparameters and efficiency have been determined and discussed. It is found that present Er3+/Tm3+ doped fluoride glass possesses large calculated emission cross section (8.98 x 10(-21) cm(2)) around 2.7 mu m. The more suitable pumping scheme for laser applications at 2.7 mu m laser is 980 nm excitation for Er3+/Tm3+ doped fluoride glass. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.