Absorption and photoluminescence of Ga0.017Ge0.25As0.083S0.65 glasses doped with Pr3+, Sm3+ and Ho3+

The visible luminescence from Pr³⁺, Dy³⁺, Nd³⁺, Sm³⁺ and codoped with Ho³⁺ and Dy³⁺ ions embedded in Ga_0.017Ge_0.25As_0.083S_0.65 glass hosts at room temperature and at T=10 K is reported, when pumping with an Ar⁺-ion laser at lambda=488 nm. Fluorescence emissions at 1.3 mum was observed for Dy³⁺ and both at 1.3 and at 1.5 mum for Pr³⁺ doped glasses with wavelength pumping at 950 nm. Energy transfer from Ho³⁺:⁵F₃ level to Dy³⁺:⁴F_9/2 level increase the visible emission efficiency at 650 nm in the codoped glasses. The investigated Ga_0.017Ge_0.25As_0.083S_0.65 glasses doped with Pr³⁺ are promising amplifier materials for 1.3 and 1.5 mum fiber optic telecommunication windows.