Cascade sensitization of mid-infrared Ce3+ luminescence by Dy3+ ions in selenide glass

Highlights: • Ce³⁺ mid-infrared luminescence detected in selenide glass. • Ce³⁺ luminescence sensitization by dysprosium ions is demonstrated. • Cascade sensitization scheme of mid-infrared Ce³⁺ luminescence by Dy³⁺ ions is suggested. Ce³⁺ ions in selenide glass showed 3.5–6 μm luminescence corresponding to ²F_7/2 → ²F_5/2 transition. The suggested sensitization scheme of Ce³⁺ luminescence by Dy³⁺ ions demonstrated high efficiency when pumped into 1.3 μm, 1.7 μm or 2.9 μm Dy³⁺ absorption bands. High absorption/emission cross-sections and long luminescent lifetime of Ce³⁺ ions make Dy³⁺- Ce³⁺ co-doped selenide glass very promising for the development of mid-infrared laser medium.