GeO2–PbO–Bi2O3 glasses doped with Yb3+ for laser applications

Abstract Glasses of heavy metal oxide GeO2–PbO–Bi2O3 doped with different concentrations of Yb3+ were prepared as materials for IR emission. Absorption and fluorescence emission spectra were measured. The spectroscopic properties and laser parameters are calculated; the disagreement between the reciprocity method and Fuchtbauer–Ladenburg formula in calculations of Yb3+ emission cross-sections is discussed using the radiation trapping effect. GeO2–PbO–Bi2O3 glass doped with Yb3+ is a promising material for laser action at 1021 nm, with properties similar to other known glasses (phosphate and tellurite laser glasses) used as active laser media; the high absorption cross-section (of 1.5 × 10−20 cm2) and the large emission bandwidth (of 70 nm) are properties appropriate for short pulse generation.