1.4 μm band emission properties of Tm3+ ions in transparent glass ceramics containing PbF2 nanocrystals for S-band amplifier

Tm3+ ion doped transparent oxyfluoride glass ceramics containing PbF2 nanocrystals were prepared and infrared fluorescence properties of Tm3+ ions were investigated. From luminescence decay measurement, it is revealed that part of the Tm3+ ions were incorporated into fluoride crystals by annealing as-made glass above glass transition temperature. Temperature dependence of the 1.4 mum band emission properties of Tm3+ ions in transparent glass ceramics was investigated. With lowering temperature, the intensity ratio of the 1.4 mum emission band to the 1.8 mum band increased. At the same time, the center of gravity of the H-3(4)-F-3(4) emission shifted to a longer wavelength and it reached about 1485 nm at 25 K. Under 50 K, the peak of the 1.4 mum band split and then the shape of the spectra became flatter. These properties can be utilized for the 1.5 mum (S-band) optical amplifier. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.