The Development of Er3+/Yb3+ Co-Doped Li2O-Bi2O3-Al2O3-B2O3 Glass for Laser and Fiber Optics Applications

The lithium bismuth aluminum borate glasses doped with Er3+ ion (LiBiAlB:Er) were investigated for laser and optical amplifier applications by the Judd-Ofelt and MacCumber theory. The LiBiAlB:Er glass with optimum Er2O3 concentration, 1.0 mol%, then was selected to enhance the luminescence properties by co-doping with the Yb3+ ion. The Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped glasses (LiBiAlB:ErYb) were prepared and studied in the physical, optical, glass network, absorption, and luminescence properties. The glass density tends to increase with addition of Yb2O3 concentration. The FTIR spectra perform the main glass structure which composes of the trigonal BO3 and tetrahedral BO4 borate groups mixing with AlO6 complex. The improvement of absorption coefficient around 977 nm by doping with Yb3+ results in the enhancement of Er3+ emission intensity at 1536 nm wavelength (I-4(13/2) -> I-4(15/2)). The Yb3+ -> Er3+ energy transfer is a significant factor of luminescence development in LiBiAlB:ErYb glass. The MacCumber analysis confirms the high potential for using LiBiAlB:ErYb glass, with Er2O3 1.0 mol% and Yb2O3 2.0 mol%, as an infrared laser medium and a fiber optics amplifier.

Automated summary

This study investigated the properties of lithium bismuth aluminum borate glasses doped with Er3+ ion and enhanced with co-doping of Yb3+ ion. The results showed that the Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped glasses had potential for applications as an infrared laser medium and a fiber optics amplifier.