Efficient 2.7 micron emission from Er3 +/Pr3 + codoped oxyfluorotellurite glass

2.7 μm emission from the Er3 + and Er3 +/Pr3 + ions doped oxyfluorotellurite glasses was detected when pumped with a 980 nm laser diode and their results were compared. It is found that 2.7 μm emission from Er3 + is enhanced by codoped with Pr3 + in the oxyfluoride tellurite glass. The emission characteristic at 2.7 μm and energy transfer (ET) have been investigated. The fabricated glass possesses a larger calculated emission cross section (1.01 × 10− 20 cm2) along with a higher spontaneous transition probability (60.92 s− 1) corresponding to the Er3 +: 4I11/2 → 4I13/2 transition. Additionally, large ET efficiency of 85% indicates the more efficient ET process from Er3 + to Pr3 + (Er3 +:4I13/2 + Pr3 +:3H4 → Er3 +:4I15/2 + Pr3 +:3F3). Therefore, codoping with Pr3 + ions can further improve the 2.7 μm emission of Er3 + via ET and the investigation of the materials in this study could help to find potential application of 2.7 μm laser.