Determination of energy transfer parameters in Er3+-doped and Er3+, Pr3+-codoped ZBLAN glasses

A detailed characterization of energy level lifetimes and energy-transfer processes in Er 3+ -doped and Er 3+ , Pr 3+ -codoped ZBLAN bulk glasses is presented. Energy transfer upconversion parameters from the Er 3+ 4 I 13/2 and 4 I 11/2 levels have been measured and are compared to energy transfer from Er 3+ to a Pr 3+ codopant. To assess the practicality of energy transfer a high power, diode pumped, 3 μm, Er 3+ , Pr 3+ -codoped ZBLAN fiber laser is presented.