Erbium-doped oxide and oxyhalide lead borate glasses for near-infrared broadband optical amplifiers

Near-infrared luminescence spectra at 1.53 μm due to main 4 I 13/2 – 4 I 15/2 laser transition of Er 3+ ions in oxide and oxyhalide lead borate glasses were examined. Spectroscopic parameters like spectral linewidth and luminescence lifetime were analyzed with PbX 2 (X = F, Cl or Br) doping. An introduction of lead halide to the borate glass results in the reduction of spectral linewidth and the increase of luminescence lifetime of Er 3+ . The luminescence decay from the 4 I 13/2 upper state of Er 3+ is longer for glass sample with PbF 2 than PbX 2 (X = Cl or Br).