Efficient red-NIR laser of Er3+/Yb3+, Er3+/Nd3+, and Er3+/Ce3+ co-doped in oxyfluorophosphate glass

Being one of the most important tools in industrial and medical fields, the red-NIR laser has caught a lot of attention in research studies to improve its emission efficiency and the stability of its lasing materials, both thermally and mechanically. In this regard, the emission intensity of the red-NIR laser generated from Er³⁺ ions doped glass network was enhanced by adding Yb³⁺, Nd³⁺, and Ce³⁺ ions. A host glass network of 44P₂O₅-15ZnO-10Pb₃O₄-15NaF-15MgF₂-1Er₂O₃ was proposed as a red-NIR lasing material and was reinforced by 0.5 and 1 mol% of Yb³⁺, Nd³⁺, or Ce³⁺ ions (labeled as PZPbNMEr³⁺:RE³⁺). The structural variations resulting from compositional changes, which were examined by XRD, density, FTIR, and Raman measurements, showed an increase in the glass network tightness, leading to better thermal stability and elasticity of the considered PZPbNMEr³⁺:RE³⁺ glasses, indicating their suitability as lasing materials. Optically, all the distinctive optical absorption bands of the Er³⁺, Yb³⁺, Nd³⁺, and Ce³⁺ ions appeared in the spectral region of 200-2500 nm. Additionally, a significant impact of the induced strain or crystal field of the added RE³⁺ ions on the optical properties was observed. A successful excitation was conducted by the green wavelength of 525 nm to the host glass PZPbNMEr³⁺, generating five wavelengths, one in the red region at 631 nm and four in the NIR at 748, 801, 1034, and 1527 nm. A significant enhancement in the intensity and redshift of the formed bands were observed with the inclusion of Yb³⁺, Nd³⁺, and Ce³⁺ ions, and new NIR bands were generated. Additionally, an energy transfer between Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ and Er³⁺/Nd³⁺ was observed. Accordingly, the considered PZPbNMEr³⁺:RE³⁺ glasses had highly efficient photoluminescence in the red-NIR region alongside their high thermal stability and good elasticity, making them a suitable choice for laser media.