Fluorescence properties and energy transfer study of Er3+/Nd3+ doped fluorophosphate glass pumped at 800 and 980 nm for mid-infrared laser applications

The fluorescence properties of 2.7 mu m emission as well as near infrared emissions in Er3+/Nd3+ doped fluorophosphate glasses are investigated under 800 and 980 nm excitation. The fluorescence dynamics and energy transfer processes between Er and Nd ions in different pumping schemes are reported. Three Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters, energy transfer microparameters, and efficiency have been determined using the Judd-Ofelt and Forster-Dexter theories. The calculated energy transfer efficiency of the Er3+:I-4(13/2) level to the Nd3+:I-4(15/2) level is as high as 83.91%. The results indicate that Nd3+ may be an efficient sensitizer for Er3+ to obtain mid-infrared emission and the more suitable pumping scheme of 2.7 mu m laser applications for Er3+/Nd3+ doped fluorophosphate glass is 980 nm excitation. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3699059]