Crystallization Behavior and Spectroscopic Properties of Erbium-Doped Chlorine-Substituted Fluorozirconate Glasses

Abstract

: We have prepared ErF₃-doped glasses in the ZrF₄–BaF₂–LaF₃–AlF₃–NaF system containing chlorine ions substituted for fluorine ions. The crystallization behavior of the chlorine-substituted glasses has been studied at various BaCl₂ and ErF₃ concentrations. We have identified phases precipitating during heat treatment of the glasses and assessed the effect of chlorine substitution for fluoride on the optical absorption and IR luminescence in the glasses. The results demonstrate that chlorine substitution for fluorine causes the UV absorption edge of the glass to shift to longer wavelengths and produces an additional absorption in the visible spectral region. The formation of crystalline phases during heat treatment of the glasses leads to significant changes in the shape of the Er³⁺ luminescence bands at 0.98 and 1.55 μm.