Luminescence studies on fluorophosphate glasses for 1.53 μm optical telecommunication applications

This study reports, preparation of Mg(PO₃)₂-(Ba,Ca)F₂ glasses doped with different Er³⁺ concentrations by melt-quenching technique. Optical absorption measurements were carried out and analyzed through Judd–Ofelt principle. Various spectroscopic properties like radiative lifetime, transition probability, intensity parameter Ωl, emission cross-sections and stimulated absorption cross-sections at 1.53μm have been evaluated. It was found that suitable Er³⁺ amount in fluorophosphate glass can enhance the stability against the crystallization. Er³⁺ doped glasses possess bandwidth properties and stimulated-emission cross sections better than chalogenide and silicate glasses. These fluorophosphate glass materials have a relatively high infrared transmittance (82%) and low hydroxyl content (15 ppm). The larger emission cross-section (9.86 × 10^-21cm²) and longer fluorescence lifetime (15.37 ms) were obtained for the 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 transition of fluorophosphate glass. Strong emission at 1.53 μm was obtained while carrying out life-time analysis by fluorescence spectroscopy. Life-time was calculated by exponential fit method for 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 transition. From the studies it was found that suitable fluoride metal composition and optimum Er³⁺ concentration can offer excellent spectroscopic properties to the fluorophosphate glass materials. Taking into account the superior spectroscopic properties of our material, it could be applied for fiber and 1.53 μm optical telecommunication applications. (author)