Physicochemical, structural and fluorescence properties of Er-doped Ge-S-Ga glasses

Erbium-doped (GeS2),(Ga2S3)(100-x) (x = 75, 80,85,90 mol%) glasses have been characterized by some basic parameters, which are important from a practical point of view. The influence of Er by introduction of 0.3,0.6, and 0.9 mol% Er2S3 on the properties has been studied. The glasses have relatively high glass transition temperatures (T-g = 364-407 degreesC) and high thermal stability, the maximal being at x = 80 (the difference between the crystallization and glass transition temperatures has been found to be 150 degreesC. The values of Vickers microhardness (HV = 207-252 kg mm(-2)) and density (d = 2.89-3.42 g cm(-3)) increase with increasing GeS2 content, slightly depending on the presence of the Er3+ ions. The distribution and changes of the structural units, caused by addition of Ga2S3 and Er2S3 to GeS2, have been specified by the Raman scattering in the range 50-550 cm(-1). The intensity dependence of the luminescence on glass composition has been evaluated. The glasses have shown a good chemical durability and their resistance to the moisture is relatively high. The obtained results have supported possible applications of these glasses in rare-earth doped devices. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.