Spectroscopic and lasing properties of Er3+-doped glass microspheres

Abstract We report experimental results on the characterization of microspherical cavities fabricated in Er 3+ -doped modified-silica and phosphate glasses. The spectroscopic properties of the bulk precursor glasses as compared to the obtained microspheres were investigated by photoluminescence spectroscopy and lifetime measurement for the 4 I 13/2  →  4 I 15/2 transition of Er 3+ ions. In both types of glasses we demonstrate whispering gallery mode laser action at various wavelengths around 1550 nm by using a 1480 nm pump laser coupled through a tapered fiber.