Excellent 2.8 μm fluorescence properties of Dy3+ ions by optimizing the structure of tellurite glasses

Optimizing the luminescence performance of Dy3+ ions by regulating the composition and structure of glass is of significant importance for the further development of mid-infrared (MIR) lasers. In this study, a TeO2–Na2O system was selected as the glass matrix owing to its wide glass-forming range for Dy3+ doping, while B2O3, MgO, and ZnO were selected as modifiers to the binary system to improve the thermal and optical properties. MgO was found to improve the crystallization resistance of the tellurite glass matrix, as revealed by differential scanning calorimetry. Raman and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results showed that the structure of the matrices became more flexible with the addition of ZnO. More non-bridging oxygen was released, which aids the enhanced 2.8 μm emission of Dy3+ ions. Therefore, these tellurite glasses are suitable laser gain mediums for Dy3+ luminescence, and the structure can be adjusted according to the requirements of specific practical applications in the MIR band.