Study on 2.86 μm emission properties of Ho3+-doped low-hydroxyl ZnF2 based fluoride glasses for mid-infrared laser applications

Ho3+-doped low-hydroxyl (OH-) ZnF2 based fluoride glasses were prepared by using the conventional melt-quenching method in a glove box. The glasses have a composition of ZnF2-BaF2-SrF2-YF3-HoF3 (ZBSY-H), and the absorption coefficient of OH - in the ZBSY-H glasses was calculated to be only similar to 0.003 cm(-1) at 2.86 mu m. Under the excitation of an 1120 nm laser, efficient 2.86 mu m emissions were observed in the ZBSY-H glasses. The emission cross section of the ZBSY-H glasses was also calculated, and the corresponding value was similar to 7.19 x 10(-21) cm(2). These results indicated that the ZBSY-H glasses were potential candidate for 2.86 im laser applications. (C) 2020 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement