Concentration effect of Er3+ ion on the spectroscopic properties of Er3+ and Yb3+/Er3+ co-doped phosphate glasses

Spectroscopic properties of Er3+ and Er3+-Yb3+ co-doped phosphate glass matrix have been analyzed by fitting the experimental data with the standard Judd-Ofelt theory. Various spectroscopic parameters were obtained to evaluate their dependence and the potential of the samples as a laser material in the eye-safe laser wavelength (1.53 mu m) as a function of the Er3+ and Yb3+ concentration. Results indicate that the increment in the active ion concentration and the small variation in the Ba content in phosphate matrix reduce the Omega(t) parameters and modify the fluorescence spectral properties of Er3+ ion. The fluorescence decay time range from 3 to 8.5 ms depending on the ionic concentration and the maximum quantum efficiency for the 1.53 mu m was 86% for 0.25 mol% of Er3+ with 2.5 mol% of Yb3+. The effect of Er3+ concentration on the quantum efficiency was discussed in terms of the cluster formation of the active ion and by the dynamics change induced by the presence of Yb. Calculated and measured parameters are in agreement with others results reported recently. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.