Tm3+-doped lead silicate glass sensitized by Er3+ for efficient ~2μm mid-infrared laser material.

Er3+/Tm3+ co-doped lead silicate glasses with low phonon (953cm-1) and good thermal stability were synthesized. The ~2μm mid-infrared emission resulting from the 3F4→3H6 transition of Tm3+ sensitized by Er3+ has been observed by 808nm LD pumping. The optimal luminescence intensity was obtained in the sample with 1Tm2O3/2.5Er2O3 co-doped. Moreover, the energy transfer mechanism from Er3+ to Tm3+ ion was analyzed. Absorption and emission cross section have been calculated. The calculated maximum emission cross section of Tm3+ is 2.689×10-21cm2 at 1863nm. Microparameters of energy transfer between Er3+ and Tm3+ ions have also been analyzed. These results ensure that the prepared Er3+/Tm3+ co-doped lead silicate glasses have excellent spectroscopic properties in mid-infrared region and provide a beneficial guide for mid-infrared laser material.