Influence of Yb3+ and Ce3+ codoping on fluorescence characteristics of Er3+-doped fluoride glass under 980 nm excitation

Abstract Fluorescence characteristics of Yb 3+ :Ce 3+ :Er 3+ -codoped fluoride glasses is reported. Yb 3+ codoping improved the excitation efficiency at 980 nm pumping and Ce 3+ codoping improved the branching ratio of the Er 3+ 4 I 11/2 – 4 I 13/2 transition level, resulting in an enhancement in the fluorescence quantum yield at 1550 nm. The energy transfer dynamics of the Yb 3+ :Ce 3+ :Er 3+ -codoped fluoride glass was also analyzed based on a rate equation model. The separately measured energy transfer rates between Yb 3+ and Er 3+ , and between Er 3+ and Ce 3+ agreed to some extent with the theoretical simulation based on the rate equation model at a lower Yb 3+ concentration (