Luminescence properties of Er3+-doped phosphate glasses

Erbium doped phosphate glasses with composition P2O5 - Na2O - B2O3 - x Er2O3 were obtained using melt-quench method. The spectroscopic properties were analyzed using optical absorption and fluorescence spectra. Based on the absorption spectra and Judd-Ofelt theory, the Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters, Omega(2), Omega(4), and Omega(6) were determined and then used to calculate the total spontaneous transition probability (A(tot)), radiative life time (tau(r)) and the branching ratio (beta), for various excited luminescent states. The spectroscopic quality factor Omega(4)/Omega(6) has been calculated for the present Er3+ doped phosphate glasses (1.53, 1.69 and 1.02) and is found to be in the same order than the reported Er3+ glasses, that makes our glasses are suitable for various photonic applications. Optical band gap energy (E-opt) values through direct and indirect allowed transitions of the prepared Er3+ glasses have also been determined and compared with similar studies.