Erbium doped Bi2O3-B2O3 glass-ceramics containing Bi3B5O12 and CaF2 nanocrystallites for 1.53 μm fiber lasers

Abstract Trivalent erbium ions doped Bi2O3-B2O3 transparent glass ceramics containing CaF2 were prepared and characterized through X -ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared absorption, optical absorption, and near infrared emission for 1.53 μm fiber lasers. The glass ceramics obtained by applying thermal treatment at 575 °C for 5 h and 575 °C for 10 h contain Bi3B5O12 and CaF2 crystallites. The Judd-Ofelt theory was applied to evaluate various spectroscopic and laser characteristic properties. The NIR emission corresponding to the 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 (∼1.53 μm) transition was studied by exciting the samples at 514.5 nm laser radiation. The stimulated emission cross-sections of ∼1.53 μm luminescence were also obtained applying the Mc Cumber theory. The experimental results confirm that the transparent glass ceramic obtained at a thermal treatment of 575 °C for 10 h is more suitable to design fiber lasers for diverse applications in the fields of industry, medicine and scientific research.