Specific features of Stokes photoluminescence of the La2S3–Ga2S3–Er2S3 glasses

Series glasses with compositions (100–х-y) Ga2S3 – х La2S3 – y Er2S3 (х = 30, 35, 40; y = 0, 1, 3 mol.%) were synthesized and their optical properties were examined. Glass-forming region for the novel La2S3–Ga2S3 system was determined. Composition− dependent optical absorption spectra within the spectral range 480–1020 nm and photoluminescence (PL) under excitation by laser radiation with 532 nm wavelength were measured. The PL maxima were found at 660, 810, 860, 980 and 1540 nm. The origin of the excited states in Er3+ ions was analyzed using an energy diagram. PL decay kinetics processes were analyzed in detail, within the frame of the two exponents model. This one indicates that the Erbium ions emitting in both red and IR spectral ranges are embedded in the glass matrices a like as separate ions or form clusters of erbium ions. The presented research results along with literature data indicate a wide opportunity for potential applications like thermal and radiation sensors, non-linear optical triggers, up-converters, contactless thermometers or active media for IR lasers.