Influence of transition metal ion concentration on near-infrared emission of Ho3+ in barium gallo-germanate glasses

The influence of Cr3+ concentration on near-infrared emission of Ho3+ in barium gallo-germanate glass has been studied. Near-infrared emission bands, due to 4T2 → 4A2 (Cr3+) as well as 5I6 → 5I8 and 5I7 → 5I8 (Ho3+) transitions, were observed under excitation of Cr3+. The enhanced and broadband near-infrared emission was obtained for glasses in the presence of transition metal (Cr3+) and rare earth (Ho3+) ions. This prosperity was optimized as a function of donor (Cr3+) and acceptor (Ho3+) concentration. The integrated intensities of emission bands were determined and their values are found to be maximal at 0.25 mol% Cr3+ and 0.5 mol% Ho3+. The energy transfer from Cr3+ to Ho3+ occurs through a nonradiative process with an efficiency up to 23%. •Cr3+/Ho3+ co-doped barium gallo-germanate glasses were studied for NIR emission.•NIR emission spectra of Ho3+ ions in glasses were measured under excitation of Cr3+.•Emission bands are due to 4T2 .→ 4A2 (Cr3+), 5I6 → 5I8 and 5I7 → 5I8 (Ho3+) transitions•The relative emission band intensities of Ho3+ depend critically on Cr3+ concentration.•The energy transfer from Cr3+ to Ho3+ with an efficiency up to 23% occurs.