Synthesis and characterization of Tm2O3-doped Lu2O3 nanoparticle suitable for fabrication of thulium-doped laser fiber

Synthesis of Tm 2 O 3 -doped Lu 2 O 3 nanoparticle using homogeneous co-precipitation method along with its material/optical characterization is reported. Four different compositions with variation of Tm: Lu ratios are synthesized followed by calcination at different temperatures (800, 1000 and 1200 °C) was performed to optimize the synthesis process as well as composition. The XRD analysis indicates steady growth of particle size with increasing calcination temperature and an average particle size of 100 nm was achieved at 1200 °C. Pure bixbyite structure was observed for every sample independent of Tm: Lu ratio. The FESEM and HRTEM analysis associated with EDX indicates formation of pure crystalline particles and results are in good agreement with XRD analysis. The photoluminescence spectra observed under 808 nm excitation exhibit characteristic Tm emission peak that extended beyond 2 micron region the intensity of which is strongly depends on Lu: Tm ratio as well as calcination temperature. The overall result reveals that the synthesized material which indicates good thermal stability is a potential doping material for the development of Thulium-doped fiber suitable for eye-safe laser application.