Er3+-doped fluorozirconate glass modified by PbF2 with high stimulated emission cross-section

Abstract Er3+-doped fluoride glass modified by PbF2 is developed. Upon 980 nm laser-diode excitation, intense luminescence emission around 2.71 μm from the Er3+ 4I11/2 → 4I13/2 transition is observed. On the basis of the Judd–Ofelt theory, the intensity parameters and radiative properties are determined from the absorption and emission spectra. Compared with conventional Er3+-doped fluoride glass (Er:ZBLAN), the proposed glass possesses a large spontaneous emission probability (Arad, 29.76 s−1) and a high stimulated emission cross-section (σem) at 2.71 μm (1.25 × 10−20 cm2). In addition, fibers with high strength might be drawn from the glass preform owing to its good chemical stability; therefore, it may be useful for increasing the output power of mid-infrared lasers. The results indicate that the present glass can be a good candidate for mid-infrared fiber lasers.