Intense mid-infrared emissions and energy transfer dynamics in Ho3+/Er3+ codoped fluoride glass

Fluoride glasses singly and co-doped with Ho3+ and Er3+ ions have been synthesized. Using a conventional 800 nm laser diode, intense mid-infrared emissions around 2 μm, 1.55 μm and 2.7 μm are successfully obtained in present Ho3+/Er3+ co-doped ZBLAY fluoride glass. The optical properties and energy transfer mechanism for intense emissions are characterized. The 2 μm emission lifetime of present glass can reach as high as 14.16 ms. Based on the absorption, fluorescence spectra and lifetime measurements, it is found that Er3+ ions can transfer their energy to Ho3+ ions with high efficiency. Hence, Ho3+/Er3+ co-doped ZBLAY glass possessing advantageous spectroscopic characteristics is a potential cost-effective host for the mid-infrared solid state lasers.