Spectroscopic properties of Er3+-doped fluorotellurite glasses modified by Nb2O5 and WO3

We have investigated the spectroscopic properties of Er3+-doped fluorotellurite glasses with the basic molar composition 75%TeO2-10%P2O5-10%ZnO-5%PbF2, modified by replacing 5% TeO2 by a metal oxide, namely WO3 or Nb2O5. The absorption edge of the glasses studied has been described within the Urbach approach, while the absorption and photoluminescence spectra have been analyzed in terms of the standard Judd-Ofelt theory, along with the photoluminescence decay of the I-4(13/2) and S-4(3/2) levels of the Er3+ ion. The absorption and emission spectra of the I-4(15/2) <-> I-4(13/2) infrared transition have been analyzed within the McCumber theory to yield the peak emission cross-section and figure of merit for the amplifier gain. It appears that the fluorotellurite glass containing WO3 as a modifier is characterized by the largest figure of merit, indicating this matrix as a promising new host for doping with Er3+ ions.