Luminescence properties of highly Er3+-doped fluorotellurite glass

A group of highly Er3+-doped TeO2–BaF2–LaF3–La2O3 fluorotellurite glasses was prepared by high-temperature melting and rapid cooling. The Judd-Ofelt (J-O) theory intensity parameters, radiative transition rate, and radiative lifetime of Er3+ ions were calculated based on the absorption spectra. The luminecence spectra at 2.7 μm and luminescence lifetime curves of Er3+ ions in fluorotellurite glasses, excited at 980 nm, were studied. The fluorotellurite glass exhibits high infrared transmittance (88 %), excellent thermal stability (ΔT > 105 °C), and low phonon energy (781 cm-1). According to Fuchbauer-Ladenburg theory, the absorption and emission cross sections of Er3+-doped fluorotellurite glass at 2.7 μm are 5.50×10−21 and 6.28×10−21cm2, respectively. These findings suggest that the glass holds significant potential for applications in mid-infrared (MIR) fiber lasers.