Effects of Yb2O3 on the NIR emission performance of Bi–Yb codoped aluminophosphsilicate glasses

Abstract Glasses with the composition 37.5SiO 2 –12.5P 2 O 5 –25Al 2 O 3 –25PbO–0.5Bi 2 O 3 – x Yb 2 O 3 ( x  = 0–1 mol%) were prepared and characterized. When excited by 690 and 808 nm, broadband near infrared emissions of Bi ions centered at 1150 and 1300 nm, respectively, as well as the transition of Yb 3 + : 2 F 5/2  →  2 F 7/2 could be observed simultaneously, and the emission intensity of Yb 3 + was enhanced with increasing of Yb 2 O 3 concentration. Energy transfer processes between Bi emitting centers and Yb 3 + were discussed according to the effects of Yb 2 O 3 addition on the near infrared emissions from Bi ions.