Study of photoluminescence quenching in Er super(3+)-doped tellurite glasses

Erbium-doped tellurite glasses (TeO sub(2)-ZnO-Na sub(2)O sub(3): Er super(3+) (TZNE)) were elaborated from the melt-quenching method. Various spectroscopic parameters were obtained to evaluate their dependence and the potential of the samples as a laser material in the eye-safe laser wavelength (1.53 mu m) as a function of the Er super(3+) concentration. The dependence of infrared photoluminescence (PL) spectra on doping concentration shows a quenching of the PL intensity for Er super(3+) concentration above 2 mol%. Such dependence is discussed in terms of interactions between Er super(3+) ions and OH super(-) content. FTIR spectra were measured in order to calculate the exact content of OH super(-) groups in samples. It was found that PL quenching with Er concentration in the tellurite glass is independent of OH super(-) content. Stimulated cross-section at 1.53 mu m was determined and was discussed using the McCumber theory.