Gain properties of an Er3+ complex in a poly(methylmethacrylate) matrix for 1540 nm broadband optical amplification

Emission properties of an erbium organic complex embedded in a polymer matrix are investigated for laser and optical amplification applications in the 1550 nm telecommunication range. The evaluation of stimulated emission cross sections is inferred from the Judd-Ofelt model [B. R. Judd , Phys. Rev. 169, 130 (1968); G. S. Ofelt, J. Chem. Phys. 37, 511 (1962)] based on experimental spectroscopic data, resulting in the determination of the three Omega(2)=1.92x10(-19), Omega(4)=1.82x10(-20), and Omega(6)=1.65x10(-20) Judd-Ofelt coefficients. These parameters are then used to calculate the oscillator strengths between states and allow us to evaluate spontaneous emission probabilities, radiative lifetimes, branching ratios, and quantum efficiencies of levels. Stimulated emission cross-sections are determined using the McCumber method [D. E. Mc Cumber, Phys. Rev. 134, A299 (1964)]. Net gain cross sections are calculated for different values of the inversion population in Er3+ ions. Results show that organic polymer hosts doped with erbium complexes are very attractive materials for amplification in the telecommunication spectral range, as they display high gain cross section as compared to other erbium-containing materials, coupled with a wide and relatively flat amplification spectrum (up to 70 nm) which covers the whole spectral range currently used for wavelength division multiplexing operation. (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics.