Self-absorption and radiation trapping in Er3+-doped TeO2-based glasses

The 1.5 mu m fluorescence shape and lifetime of Er3+-activated tellurite glasses have been investigated. The measures on bulk system have been compared with those obtained on powders, showing that the self-absorption effect broadens the emission spectrum and lengthens the lifetime. It has been demonstrated that the bandwidth and lifetime measurements depend on the absorption coefficient alpha(lambda) and on the distance d between the focused exciting laser beam and the exit face of a bulk glass sample. The actual emission spectrum has been reconstructed from the alpha(lambda).d knowledge. Lifetime lengthening cannot be determined from alpha(lambda).d and, to obtain actual lifetime for highly Er3+-doped glasses, measurements on powders are required.