Energy exchange processes in Er3+-doped fluorozirconate glasses

A comprehensive study has been conducted on the effects of erbium dopant concentration on the fluorescence properties of the three lowest energy levels which are involved in infrared emission in Er3+-doped fluorozirconate glass compositions. Pulsed pump radiation at wavelengths of 800 nm, 980 nm and 1.5 mu m was used to measure fluorescence rise and decay waveforms for Er3+ concentrations between 0.2 and 18 mol%. A rate-equation model has been developed for the relevant levels and the fitting of this model to the experimental results has enabled the contribution of Various ion-ion energy exchange processes to be identified and quantified. These processes determine, in part, the population dynamics, especially for the larger dopant concentrations used. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.