Spectroscopic properties of rare earth ions in heavy metal oxide and phosphate containing glasses

Rare earth ions are widely used in lasers and amplifiers. Depending on the device, there are different demands on the properties of the active ions and on the host glass. Thus, an extensive characterization and comparison of both host matrix properties and spectroscopic properties of rare earth ions for various glass types is of special interest. In this study, fluoride and phosphate based glasses on the one side and heavy metal oxide containing glasses such as Bi-borate, Pb-Bi-gallate and K-tantalate-gallate glasses on the other side were investigated in order to figure out the advantages of these different glass systems. UV-VIS and IR cut-off, phonon energy and refractive index were studied as characteristics of the host matrix. Judd-Ofelt parameters, spontaneous emission probabilities and stimulated emission cross sections were calculated for Nd3+ and Er3+ ions. Peak wavelength, shape and linewidth of Nd3+ and Er3+ bands were determined from absorption and emission spectra. The effect of the different glass types on the properties of rare earth ions is considered in detail on absorption and emission transitions of Nd3+ and Er3+ in the infrared region.