An efficient 2.0 μm emission of Er3+/Ho3+ co-doped lead silicate glass

Abstract Er 3+ /Ho 3+ co-doped lead silicate glasses with superior thermo-mechanical and chemical properties are synthesized. Efficient 2.0 μm emission of Ho 3+ : 5 I 7  →  5 I 8 sensitized by Er 3+ ions from the prepared glasses is obtained under 980 nm laser diode pumping. Energy transfer mechanism between Er 3+ and Ho 3+ is analyzed. According to the absorption spectra, Judd-Ofelt parameters, spontaneous transition probability and radiative lifetime have been calculated and discussed. Absorption and emission cross sections have also been calculated and analyzed. The maximum emission cross section is 4.2 × 10 −21  cm 2 around 2.0 μm. The gain coefficient reaches 2.1 cm −1 at 2.018 μm. These results ensure that the Er 3+ /Ho 3+ co-doped lead silicate glasses have potential applications in mid-infrared wavelengths and can obtain high gain in fiber lasers.