Intense upconversion fluorescence in Tm3+/Yb3+ codoped alumina lead borate glasses

The Tm3+/Yb3+ codoped alumina lead borate glasses were prepared by the conventional melt quenching technique. Optical absorption and FTIR spectra were recorded. The upconversion fluorescence spectra exhibited weak blue (480 nm) and intense red (660 nm) emissions due to (1)G(4) -> H-3(6) and (1)G(4) -> H-3(4) transitions, respectively. The results concluded that both emissions are due to three photon absorption process. It has been observed that in the upconversion efficiency increases with the increase in the concentration of Yb3+ ions. The strong red upconversion fluorescence indicate that Tm3+/Yb3+ codoped alumina lead borate glasses can be used as potential host material for upconversion lasers.