Tm3+-doped lead silicate glass sensitized by Er3+ for efficient ~2 μm mid-infrared laser material

Abstract Er 3+ /Tm 3+ co-doped lead silicate glasses with low phonon (953 cm −1 ) and good thermal stability were synthesized. The ~2 μm mid-infrared emission resulting from the 3 F 4  →  3 H 6 transition of Tm 3+ sensitized by Er 3+ has been observed by 808 nm LD pumping. The optimal luminescence intensity was obtained in the sample with 1Tm 2 O 3 /2.5Er 2 O 3 co-doped. Moreover, the energy transfer mechanism from Er 3+ to Tm 3+ ion was analyzed. Absorption and emission cross section have been calculated. The calculated maximum emission cross section of Tm 3+ is 2.689 × 10 −21  cm 2 at 1863 nm. Microparameters of energy transfer between Er 3+ and Tm 3+ ions have also been analyzed. These results ensure that the prepared Er 3+ /Tm 3+ co-doped lead silicate glasses have excellent spectroscopic properties in mid-infrared region and provide a beneficial guide for mid-infrared laser material.