IR transmission and emission spectra of erbium ions in fluoroindate glass

Multicomponent fluoride glasses with relatively high IR transparency have been prepared. These glasses have IR cut-off (above 20 μm) at longer wavelength than other fluoride type-glassy systems. The light transmission is about 80% at wavelengths up to 15 μm in the InF 3 -based system doped with Er 3+ ions. This suggests the possibility to obtain optical fiber for coupling to infrared emitting sources such as the CO 2 laser, for optical applications. The emission spectra have been recorded at room temperature. Four emission bands centered at 976, 847, 668 and 550nm correspond to the 4 I 11/2 - 4 I 15/2 , 4 S 3/2 - 4 I 13/2 , 4 F 9/2 - 4 I 15/2 and 4 S 3/2 - 4 I 15/2 transitions of erbium ions, respectively. The inhomogeneous transition linewidths of Er 3+ ions in fluoroindate glass have been investigated after heat treatment. Increased heating time increases the observed linewidth. This effect is related to the formation of several crystalline phases in this multicomponent system during heat treatment. However, spectral line narrowing has been detected under conditions of short time heating in comparison to an unheated sample.