Investigations on spectroscopic properties of Er(3+)-doped Li-Zn fluoroborate glass.

Er(3+)-doped Li-Zn fluoroborate glass was synthesized via melt quenching technique. Optical properties of the glass were investigated by UV-Vis-NIR absorption and emission spectra. To evaluate the nature of Er(3+)-ligand bond in the glass network, nephelauxetic ratios and bonding parameter were calculated. Judd-Ofelt analysis and hence the radiative properties of the present glass system were evaluated for ascertaining the suitability of the glass for laser applications and compared those with the emission spectra. Absorption cross-sections have been calculated from the absorption spectrum and stimulated emission cross-sections were estimated using McCumber theory for (4)I13/2↔(4)I15/2 transitions. The results of the present glass were compared with those obtained for some other Er(3+)-doped glass systems.