Erbium luminescence properties of niobium-rich oxide glasses

Erbium luminescence has been investigated in niobium borophosphate glass, A correlation between luminescence intensity at 1532 nm, OH absorption and the structure of the glass network was established as, a function of the niobium oxide concentration. An increase of the radiative efficiency corresponding to I-4(13/2) -> I-4(15/2) (4f-4f) transition of Er3+ ions has been observed for niobium richest glasses. The modification of the Er3+ ions site is analyzed as a function of the niobium concentration, A Judd Ofelt analysis has been applied to emphasize the structural change. An increase of the up conversion vas also measured as the niobium oxide content increases. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.