Tm3+ doped CaF2 based oxyfluroborosilicate glasses and glass ceramics for visible and NIR lasers

The structural and luminescence properties of Tm3+ doped CaF2 based oxyfluoroborosilicate glasses and glass ceramics were discussed. The critical glass ceramic (BSTm1.0GC2) nature was obtained through different heat treatment processes as 450 °C for 1 h and the concentration of Tm3+ ions was optimized as 1.0 mol% for efficient emission. The spectroscopic and laser characteristic parameters were evaluated applying the standard Judd-Ofelt theory. The emission of blue light through 1D2 → 3F4 transition was studied by exciting at 360 nm UV wavelength. Upon 808 nm laser excitation, the glasses and glass ceramics produce 1.46 μm emission through 3H4 → 3F4 transition. The effective bandwidth (114.99 nm), stimulated emission cross-section (14.30 × 10−21 cm2), gain bandwidth (1644.74 × 10−28 cm3), figure of merit (10.21 × 10−24 cm2s) and the quantum yield (76 %) of 3H4 → 3F4 transition made the BSTm1.0GC2 suitable as gain medium for 1.46 μm NIR fiber laser applications. [Display omitted] •Tm3+ doped CaF2 based borosilicate glass-ceramics are prepared and characterized.•Sustainable ceramic environment is obtained through a heat treatment of 450oC/1 h.•BSTm1.0GC2 emits intense blue light through 1D2.→3F4 transition at 360 nm excitation.•BSTm1.0GC2 emits 1.46 μm light through 3H4.→3F4 transition at 808 nm excitation.•BSTm1.0GC2 is the best gain media for various fiber optic communication applications.