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We have investigated the spectroscopic properties of Er3+-doped fluorotellurite glasses with the basic molar composition 75%TeO2-10%P2O5-10%ZnO-5%PbF2, modified by replacing 5% TeO2 by a metal oxide, namely WO3 or Nb2O5. The absorption edge of the glasses studied has been described within the Urbach approach, while the absorption and photoluminescence spectra have been analyzed in terms of the standard Judd-Ofelt theory, along with the photoluminescence decay of the 4I13/2 and 4S3/2 levels of the Er3+ ion. The absorption and emission spectra of the 4I15/2 ↔ 4I13/2 infrared transition have been analyzed within the McCumber theory to yield the peak emission cross-section and figure of merit for the amplifier gain. It appears that the fluorotellurite glass containing WO3 as a modifier is characterized by the largest figure of merit, indicating this matrix as a promising new host for doping with Er3+ ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of the Tb- and Dy-doped glasses with Li2O--2B2O3 (or Li2B4O7:Tb and Li2B4O7:Dy) composition were synthesised and their spectroscopic properties were investigated. The Li2B4O7:Tb and Li2B4O7:Dy glasses of high chemical purity and optical quality were obtained from corresponding polycrystalline compounds in the air using standard glass technology. The Tb and Dy impurities were added to Li2B4O7 composition in the form of Tb2O3 and Dy2O3 oxide compounds in amounts of 0.5 and 1.0 mol%. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), luminescence excitation and emission spectra of the Li2B4O7:Tb and Li2B4O7:Dy glasses were investigated. On the basis of EPR and photoluminescence spectra analysis it was shown that the Tb and Dy impurities are incorporated in the Li2B4O7 glass network as Tb3+ (4f8, 7F6) and Dy3+ (4f 9, 6H15/2) ions, exclusively. All observed transitions of the Tb3+ and Dy3+ centres in the luminescence excitation and emission spectra were identified. The luminescence kinetics shows single exponential decay for Tb3+ and Dy3+ centres in Li2B4O7 glasses. The lifetime values for main emission transitions of the Tb3+ and Dy3+ centres in the Li2B4O7 glasses containing 0.5 and 1.0 mol% Tb2O3 and Dy2O3 are determined at T = 300 K. Peculiarities of optical properties and local structure of the Tb3+ and Dy3+ centres in the Li2B4O7:Tb and Li2B4O7:Dy glasses as well as their potential applications have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxyhalide lead borate glasses doped with rare earth ions have been studied before and after thermal treatment. The rare earths as optically active ions were limited to the Er3+ ions. Near-infrared luminescence due to the main 4I13/2-4I15/2 laser transition of Er3+ was registered. The introduction of PbX2 to the borate glass results in a reduction of spectral linewidth and an increase of luminescence lifetime of 4I13/2 state of Er3+ ions. The unusual large spectral linewidth for 4I13/2-4I15/2 transition of Er3+ in the oxide glass host was obtained, whereas the luminescence decay from 4I13/2 state is longer for a sample with PbF2 than PbCl2 and PbBr2. Heat treatment introduces transformation from a glass to transparent glass-ceramic (TGC). The coordination sphere around Er3+ ions is changed, giving important contribution to the luminescence characteristics. The spectroscopic consequence of this transformation is the increase of luminescence lifetime and the narrowing of spectral lines of Er3+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical absorption, luminescence excitation, and emission spectra as well as luminescence kinetics of the Sm- and Yb-doped glasses with lithium tetraborate (Li2B4O7) composition were investigated and analysed. The Sm- and Yb-doped lithium tetraborate glasses of high optical quality were obtained in air from corresponding polycrystalline compounds according to standard glass synthesis technology. The Sm and Yb impurities were added to the Li2B4O7 compound in the form of Sm2O3 and Yb2O3 oxides in amount of 0.4 mol%. Using optical and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy it was shown that the Sm and Yb impurities are incorporated into the lithium tetraborate glass network as Sm3+ (4f5, 6H5/2) and Yb3+ (4f13, 2F7/2) ions, exclusively. All of the observed transitions in the absorption and luminescence spectra of Sm3+ and Yb3+ centres were identified. The luminescence kinetics of the Sm3+ and Yb3+ centres in the Li2B4O7 glass are characterised by a single exponential decay. Decay constants for the main emission transitions of the Sm3+ and Yb3+ centres in the lithium tetraborate glass were obtained at T = 300 K. Incorporation peculiarities and optical spectra of Sm3+ and Yb3+ ions in the lithium tetraborate glass have been discussed in comparison with other borate glasses and crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical absorption and luminescence spectra as well as luminescence kinetics of the Nd3+ centres in glasses with Ca3Ga2Ge3O12:Nd composition, containing 0.2 and 1.0 wt% of the Nd2O3 were presented and analysed. The oscillator strengths and phenomenological intensity parameters Ωt (Ω2, Ω4, and Ω6) were obtained using standard Judd-Ofelt theory. Calculated Ωt parameters, radiative transitions rates, branching ratios and radiative lifetime for Nd3+ centres in the glass with Ca3Ga2Ge3O12 composition were analysed and compared with corresponding Nd3+ parameters in their crystalline analogue with garnet structure. Experimental lifetimes are compared with those calculated, and quantum efficiency of Nd3+ centres from 4F3/2 emitting level in the glass with Ca3Ga2Ge3O12 composition is estimated. Incorporation peculiarities and local structure of Nd3+ luminescence centres in the glass with Ca3Ga2Ge3O12 composition and corresponding Ca3Ga2Ge3O12:Nd3+ garnet laser crystals are considered. On the basis of extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra (L3-edge) of rare-earth elements analysis it has been shown that Nd3+ luminescence centres in the CaO-Ga2O3-GeO2 glass network occupy structural sites with the coordination number to oxygen N = 6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the spectroscopic properties of Er3+-doped fluorotellurite glasses with the basic molar composition 75%TeO2-10%P2O5-10%ZnO-5%PbF2, modified by replacing 5% TeO2 by a metal oxide, namely WO3 or Nb2O5. The absorption edge of the glasses studied has been described within the Urbach approach, while the absorption and photoluminescence spectra have been analyzed in terms of the standard Judd-Ofelt theory, along with the photoluminescence decay of the 4I13/2 and 4S3/2 levels of the Er3+ ion. The absorption and emission spectra of the 4I15/2 ↔ 4I13/2 infrared transition have been analyzed within the McCumber theory to yield the peak emission cross-section and figure of merit for the amplifier gain. It appears that the fluorotellurite glass containing WO3 as a modifier is characterized by the largest figure of merit, indicating this matrix as a promising new host for doping with Er3+ ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]