Enhanced 2.0μm emission and energy transfer in Yb3+/Ho3+/Ce3+ triply doped tellurite glass

Ce3+ induced enhancement of Ho3+ ~2.0μm emission in Yb3+/Ho3+ codoped sodium–zinc–tellurite (TNZ) glass was achieved under 980nm LD laser excitation. The spectroscopic studies show that the upconversion is remarkably reduced by the presence of Ce3+. The ~2.0μm fluorescence intensity is nearly triply enhanced, and the energy transfer efficiency from Yb3+ to Ho3+ is improved from 16.1% to 42.6% by increasing the Ce3+ concentration from 0 to 0.8mol%. The mechanism responsible for the upconversion reduction and ~2.0μm emission enhancement in Yb3+/Ho3+/Ce3+ triply-doped TNZ glass is also discussed. Our results indicate that the Yb3+/Ho3+/Ce3+ triply-doped TNZ glass is a promising candidate material for improving the Ho3+ 2.0μm fiber laser performance. ► Ho3+ 1.20μm emission is enhanced in Yb3+/Ho3+/Ce3+ triply-doped tellurite glass. ► Yb3+→Ho3+ energy transfer efficiency is improved to 42.6% after adding of Ce3+. ► Upconversion in Ho3+ 5I6 is reduced by cross relaxation and energy transfer.