Enhanced emission of 2.7 μm pumped by laser diode from Er3+/Pr3+-codoped germanate glasses

A novel Er3+/Pr3+ codoped germanate glass was fabricated and analyzed. Efficient emission at 2.7 mu m from the glass was observed upon excitation of a conventional 980 nm laser diode. The 2.7 mu m emission characteristics and energy transfer (ET) were investigated. Population inversions between I-4(13/2) and I-4(11/2) levels have been achieved, and an enhanced emission from 2550 to 2800 nm was obtained. Large ET efficiency of 95% indicates that the ET process from Er3+ to Pr3+ (I-4(13/2), H-3(4)) -> (I-4(15/2), F-3(3)) is efficient and that Pr3+ can enhance the emission of 2.7 mu m by quenching the lower laser level of Er3+ via ET. (C) 2011 Optical Society of America