Active glasses as the luminescent sources of radiation for sensor applications

Abstract

The article presents physicochemical, thermal and spectroscopic properties of two different glass systems: TeO2-GeO2-PbO-PbF2- BaO-Nb2O5-LaF3 and SiO2-Al2O3-Sb2O3, co-doped with Yb3+/Tm3+ ions. Blue upconversion luminescence at a wavelength of 478 nm corresponding to the thulium 1G4 → 3H6 transition was observed under 976 nm pump radiation in both of the co-doped glasses. This indicated the existence of efficient Yb3+ →Tm3+ energy transfer via three-photon absorption mechanism. Thermal and optical results substantiate the claim for practical applicability of the manufactured glasses in design of optical fiber sources.