Praseodymium mid-infrared emission in AlF3-based glass sensitized by ytterbium

Opt Express. 2021 Oct 11;29(21):34166-34174. doi: 10.1364/OE.438935.

Abstract

Broadband emission was obtained over 2.6 to 4.1 μm (Pr3+: 1G43F4, 3F3) in AlF3-based glass samples doped with different concentrations of praseodymium and 1 mol% ytterbium using a 976 nm laser pump. An efficient energy transfer process from Yb3+: 2F5/2 to Pr3+: 1G4 was analyzed through emission spectra and fluorescence lifetime values. The absorption and emission cross-sections were calculated by Füchtbauer-Ladenburg and McCumber theories and a positive gain can be obtained when P>0.3. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this work represents the first report of broadband mid-infrared emission of Pr3+ in an AlF3-based glass. The results show that praseodymium doped AlF3-based glass sensitized by ytterbium could be a promising candidate for fiber lasers operating in mid-infrared region.