Tm3+doped CaF2 based oxyfluroborosilicate glasses and glass ceramics for visible and NIR lasers

The structural and luminescence properties of Tm3+ doped CaF2 based oxyfluoroborosilicate glasses and glass ceramics were discussed. The critical glass ceramic (BSTm1.0GC2) nature was obtained through different heat treatment processes as 450 degrees C for 1 hand the concentration of Tm3+ ions was optimized as 1.0 mol% for efficient emission. The spectroscopic and laser characteristic parameters were evaluated applying the standard Judd-Ofelt theory. The emission of blue light through 1 D 2 -> 3 F 4 transition was studied by exciting at 360 nm UV wavelength. Upon 808 nm laser excitation, the glasses and glass ceramics produce 1.46 mu m emission through 3 H 4 -> 3 F 4 transition. The effective bandwidth (114.99 nm), stimulated emission cross-section (14.30 x 10-21 cm2), gain bandwidth (1644.74 x 10-28 cm3), figure of merit (10.21 x 10-24 cm2s) and the quantum yield (76 %) of 3 H 4 -> 3 F 4 transition made the BSTm1.0GC2 suitable as gain medium for 1.46 mu m NIR fiber laser applications.