Synthesis of Er-complexes for photonic applications Original Research Article

We present a new approach of introducing erbium ions onto thin surface layers of silica glass substrates based on soaking of solution of erbium complexes. Different types of Er3+ complexes with 2,2′-dipyridyle, 1,10-phenantroline, 8-hydroxyquinoline and ethylendiamine ligands and nitrate, thiocyanate and acetate anions were prepared. Composition of the complexes was determined by elementary analysis and by FT-IR spectroscopy. Decomposition temperature was measured by thermogravimetric analysis. Erbium doped surface layers exhibit strong photoluminescence with maximum on 1533 nm and full width at half maximum above 50 nm.