Study on impact of Yb³⁺ on 1.54 μm broadband emission of Er³⁺ doped oxyfluroborosilicate glass ceramics with embedded CaF₂ nanoparticles

The detailed study on impact of Yb³⁺ on spectroscopic and 1.54 μm broadband emission of Er³⁺ doped transparent oxyfluroborosilicate glass ceramics (GCs) with embedded CaF₂ nanoparticles was presented. The studied GCs were prepared by controlled crystal nucleation and growth process at 450 °C/1 h. Thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry results showed good thermal stability and fiber drawing capacity. The scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope studies confirmed the formation and the uniform distribution of CaF₂ nanoparticles. Various radiative and laser characteristic features were calculated within the frame work of Judd–Ofelt theory. The NIR emission at 980 nm pumping showed an intense and broad emission band due to Er³⁺:⁴I_13/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transition. The emission spectra showed a quenching in luminescence beyond 3 mol% of Yb³⁺ doping confirming the optimized Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ ratio as 1:3 for enhanced emission. The stimulated emission cross-sections and quantum efficiency decrease with increased Yb³⁺ doping due to concentration quenching and cross-relaxation transfer of energy among Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ ions. The experimental investigations suggest that the BSEr1Yb3GC has higher proficiency for 1.54 μm broadband fiber lasers and optical amplifiers in S and C band communication windows.