Luminescence and gain characteristics of 1.53 µm broadband of Er3+ in lead telluroborate glasses

Different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mol%) of Er3+-doped lead telluroborate glasses were prepared by conventional melt quenching method. Up on 514.5 nm laser excitation, the near infrared luminescence due to the 4I13/2→4I15/2 transition was analyzed. The absorption and emission spectra were used to determine the different spectroscopic parameters by means of the Judd–Ofelt and the McCumber theories. The obtained Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters were used to obtain the radiative transition probability, fluorescence branching ratio and radiative lifetime of the 4I13/2 emission state. The effect of Er3+ concentration on the emission intensity of 4I13/2→4I15/2 transition was discussed. The Stark-level energies of 4I13/2 excited and 4I15/2 ground states were evaluated using both the absorption and emission measurements. The wavelength dependent gain coefficient, G(λ) of 4I13/2→4I15/2 transition of Er3+ ion was determined using the absorption and emission cross-sections. The suitability of this glass as a host for Er3+-doped broad-band amplifiers and its advantage over other glasses were discussed.