Effect of the OH Groups on Spectroscopic Parameters of the Er3+-Doped Glasses

In this work, the PAN, PANB, PANK, and SNAB glass matrices with nominal compositions 60P(2)0(5).10Al(2)O(3).30Na(2)O, 60P(2)0(5).10Al(2)O(3).15Na(2)O.15BaO, 40P(2)O(5).20Al(2)O(3).35Na(2)O.5K(2)O, and 40SiO(2).30Na(2)CO(3).1Al(2)O(3).29B(2)O(3) (mol%), respectively, doped with Er3+ ions, were studied. To determine the Er3+ spectroscopic properties in these matrices, the optical absorption, luminescence, and experimental lifetime were measured, and based on the obtained data, the Judd-Ofelt theory was applied. The experimental lifetime and quantum efficiency of the I-4(13/2) -> I-4(15/2) transition were analyzed as a function of the Er3+ concentration. Among the studied samples, the phosphate glass PANK presents the higher lifetime (similar to 8.8 ms) and quantum efficiency (similar to 88%), due to the small hydroxyl content.