Synthesis of Er3+ and Er3+ : Yb3+ doped sol-gel derived silica glass and studies on their optical properties

Er3+ and Er3+ : Yb3+ doped optical quality, crack and bubble free glasses for possible use in making laser material have been prepared successfully through sol-gel route. The thermal and optical, including UV-visible absorption, FTIR etc characterizations were undertaken on the samples. The absorption characteristics of Er3+ doped samples clearly revealed the absorption due to Er3+ ions. On the other hand Yb3+ : Er3+ doped samples showed enhanced absorption due to2F7/2 →2F5/2 transition. The absorption and emission cross-section for2F7/2 ↔2F5/2 of Yb3+ were estimated. FTIR absorption spectra have clearly shown the reduction of the absorption peak intensity with heat treatment in the range 3700–2900 cm−1. The 960 cm-1 band also showed progressive decrease in the absorption band peak intensity with heat treatment. The result of the investigations with essential discussions and conclusions have been reported in this paper.