Enhanced mid-infrared emission in Er3+/Tm3+ co-doped Tungsten-Tellurite glasses

Abstract Transparent Er 3+ /Tm 3+ co-doped tungsten-tellurite (TWL) glasses with variable Er 3+ concentration were prepared by the conventional melt-quenching method. The samples prepared were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), absorption spectra, up-conversion, near and mid-infrared emission and lifetime decays. DSC analyses indicates a high transition temperature (Tg) and a large value of △T. Enhanced 2.7 μm emission in Er 3+ /Tm 3+ co-doped TWL glasses presents its superiority in mid-infrared application. Based on above emission spectra and lifetime decays, the energy transfer mechanism between Er 3+ and Tm 3+ ions was discussed. Tm 3+ ions are an effective sensitization for 2.7 μm emission of Er 3+ ions in this glass for its high energy transfer efficiency (83.6%). A comparative study on emission performance suggests that this Er 3+ /Tm 3+ codoped TWL glass is a competent candidates for mid-infrard laser materials.