Thermal stability and UV–Vis-NIR spectroscopy of a new erbium-doped fluorotellurite glass

Abstract

A new transparent bulk glass from the system 76TeO₂ · 10ZnO · 9.0PbO · 1.0PbF₂ · 3.0Na₂O doped with Er³⁺ (TZPPN doped with Er³⁺) has been prepared using the conventional melt-quenching method. Results of differential thermal analysis (DTA) measurements indicate good thermal stability of this glass. The refractive indices at different wavelengths, the optical energy gap, the Sellmeier gap energy and the dispersion energy have been estimated. The Judd–Ofelt parameters, Ω _t (t = 2, 4, 6) of Er³⁺ were evaluated from optical absorption spectra. Electric dipole, magnetic dipole type transition probabilities, spectroscopic quality factors, branching ratio and radiative lifetimes of several excited states of Er³⁺ have been predicted using intensity Judd–Ofelt parameters. The spectroscopic properties indicate that TZPPN glass doped with Er³⁺ is a promising candidate for laser applications and may be suitable for upconversion fibre optical devices.

Keywords:

• oxyfluoride glasses
• thermal stability
• Judd–Ofelt analysis

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by a Grant of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (Code Number: 10-ADV1160-07) from the King of Saudi Arabia.