Structure and Luminescence Properties of Transparent Germanate Glass-Ceramics Co-Doped with Ni2+/Er3+ for Near-Infrared Optical Fiber Application

An investigation of the structural and luminescent properties of the transparent germanate glass-ceramics co-doped with Ni2+/Er3+ for near-infrared optical fiber applications was presented. Modification of germanate glasses with 10-20 ZnO (mol.%) was focused to propose the additional heat treatment process controlled at 650 degrees C to obtain transparent glass-ceramics. The formation of 11 nm ZnGa2O4 nanocrystals was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. It followed the glass network changes analyzed in detail (MIR-Mid Infrared spectroscopy) with an increasing heating time of precursor glass. The broadband 1000-1650 nm luminescence (lambda(exc) = 808 nm) was obtained as a result of Ni2+: T-3(2)(F-3) -> (3)A(2)(F-3) octahedral Ni2+ ions and Er3+: I-4(13/2) -> I-4(15/2) radiative transitions and energy transfer from Ni2+ to Er3+ with the efficiency of 19%. Elaborated glass-nanocrystalline material is a very promising candidate for use as a core of broadband luminescence optical fibers.

Automated summary

The study investigated the structural and luminescent properties of transparent germanate glass-ceramics co-doped with Ni2+/Er3+ for near-infrared optical fiber applications. By modifying germanate glasses with ZnO and controlling additional heat treatment process, transparent glass-ceramics with 11 nm ZnGa2O4 nanocrystals were obtained. The material showed broadband luminescence from 1000-1650 nm with an energy transfer efficiency of 19%, making it a promising candidate for use in broadband luminescence optical fibers.