Intense 2.1–4.2 µm broadband emission of Co/Er:PbF₂ mid-infrared laser crystal

Abstract

A novel mid-infrared (MIR) laser crystal C o / E r : P b F 2 was successfully grown. The use of E r 3 + ion co-doping to sensitize a C o 2 + ion and enhance the 2.1–4.2 µm broadband MIR emission of the C o 2 + ion in a P b F 2 crystal was studied for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The E r 3 + ion was demonstrated to be an effective sensitizer of the C o 2 + ion, making the C o / E r : P b F 2 crystal propitious to be pumped by commercialized laser diodes. Furthermore, with E r 3 + ion co-doping, the local symmetry of C o 2 + and E r 3 + ions was seriously distorted, thereby enhancing the 2.1–4.2 µm MIR emissions. This study provides a path for designing MIR laser materials with optimal performance.

Highly thermostable fluoride nanocrystal-in-glass composites (NGCs) for mid-infrared emission

“…The primary MIR transition of Er 3+ : 4 I 11/2 → 4 I 13/2 at ∼2.7 μm covers the atmosphere communication window and strong absorption band of water. 29,30 Meanwhile, this simple MIR transition process can effectively avoid the introduction of additional factors affecting the MIR emission of the as-prepared NGC materials, which is advantageous for the demonstration of our strategies. Accordingly, Er 3+ was chosen as the target activator.…”

Ag nanoparticles enhanced 3.1 μm mid-infrared emission of Er3+/Bi+ co-doped oxyfluoride tellurite glasses

“…1,2 Furthermore, optical glass has always been an important aspect of midinfrared research, and it is also urgent to explore a mid-infrared glass material with excellent properties. [3][4][5] Among well-known glass matrices, silicate, borate, and phosphate glasses have high thermal stability and good mechanical properties, but their higher phonon energy hinders their applications in mid-infrared lasers. [6][7][8] This is because higher phonon energies can increase the probability of non-radiative jumps and reduce the luminescence intensity of the mid-infrared band.…”

“…Furthermore, optical glass has always been an important aspect of mid-infrared research, and it is also urgent to explore a mid-infrared glass material with excellent properties 3 – 5 …”

Crystal growth, first-principles calculations, and enhanced 1.5–1.7 μm fluorescence emission from the Er, Ce: CaGdAlO4 laser crystal

“…Then, the NIR fluorescence emission intensity in the 1.5-1.7 mm produced by Er 3+ : 4 I 13/2 -4 I 15/2 gets enhanced. [29][30][31][32] Although co-doping with Ce 3+ enhances its luminescence, the mechanism of the structure-luminescence property interaction after co-doping with it is still unclear.…”