Physicochemical, structural and fluorescence properties of Er-doped Ge–S–Ga glasses Original Research Article

Erbium-doped (GeS2)x(Ga2S3)100−x (x=75, 80, 85, 90 mol%) glasses have been characterized by some basic parameters, which are important from a practical point of view. The influence of Er by introduction of 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 mol% Er2S3 on the properties has been studied. The glasses have relatively high glass transition temperatures and high thermal stability, the maximal being at x=80 (the difference between the crystallization and glass transition temperatures has been found to be 150 °C. The values of Vickers microhardness and density increase with increasing GeS2 content, slightly depending on the presence of the Er3+ ions. The distribution and changes of the structural units, caused by addition of Ga2S3 and Er2S3 to GeS2, have been specified by the Raman scattering in the range 50–550 cm−1. The intensity dependence of the luminescence on glass composition has been evaluated. The glasses have shown a good chemical durability and their resistance to the moisture is relatively high. The obtained results have supported possible applications of these glasses in rare-earth doped devices.