Si nanoclusters coupled to Er3+ ions in a SiO2 matrix for optical amplifiers

Abstract In this work we will give an overview of the optical properties of Si nanoclusters coupled to Er 3+ ions in SiO 2 matrices produced by reactive magnetron co-sputtering. We have divided the work into two separate studies realised on the same samples, which are the result of a thorough optimisation work. The first one have been realised in order to get a clear picture of the interaction mechanism. On the second we will show a quantitative evaluation of the potential performances from a material point of view (determination of the whole optically active Er 3+ content, excitable by direct or indirect means) and actual performance in a waveguide device (determination of internal gain values).