Efficient 2 μm emission and energy transfer mechanism of Ho 3+ doped fluorophosphate glass sensitized by Er 3+ ions

Abstract Fluorophosphate glass co-doped with Er 3+ and Ho 3+ ions has been synthesized by high temperature melting method. Using a commercially available 980 nm laser diode, intense about 2 μm emissions were successfully obtained in present Ho 3+ /Er 3+ co-doped glasses without obvious quenching. To understand 2 μm fluorescence behaviors of the prepared glasses, 1.55 μm emission spectra, energy transfer mechanism and microparameters from different levels of Er 3+ to Ho 3+ ions have been obtained and discussed. As a result, the Er 3+ /Ho 3+ co-doped fluorophosphate glass with excellent spectroscopic properties might be appropriate host material for 2 μm solid laser.