Laser performance parameters of Yb3+ doped UV-transparent phosphate glasses

We report on optical investigation of phosphate glasses doped with Yb2O3. UV–Vis and FT-NIR optical absorption, photoluminescence, time-resolved photoluminescence and refractometry techniques are used. Cluster formation of Yb3+ was not observed as well as, no evidence of cooperative luminescence among Yb3+. An exponential decay of the 2F5/2 → 2F7/2 lifetime of ytterbium was found when the interionic distance decreases. The quantum efficiency and laser performance were also investigated. Relatively high figure of merit was found, 0.33 × 10−20 cm2 ms. The values of the minimum fraction of Yb3+ for minimum laser gain, pump saturation intensity and minimum absorbed pumping intensity were estimated.