The structure and properties of Nd3+-doped fluoro-sulfo-phosphate glasses under different melt conditions

Abstract Fluoro-sulfo-phosphate (FPS) glass combines excellent spectroscopic properties of fluorophosphate glass with the stabilization of sulfates and is an ideal substrate for laser applications. However, the loss of the ingredients under unfavorable melt conditions and its influence on structure and properties were rarely considered, hindering the manipulation of FPS glass performance. Herein, we investigate the structure and properties of Nd3+-doped fluoro-sulfo-phosphate glasses under different melt conditions. Compared to Al2O3 crucible, the Pt crucible could retain more fluoride and sulfate while preventing the introduction of Al. The deviation of composition leads to higher density, refractive index, degree of polymerization, emission cross-section, lifetime and quantum efficiency while lower Tg and effective linewidth in Pt samples. This study aims to provide more information about the effect of melt conditions on FPS properties with the expectation of shedding light on the road to FPS laser application.