Effect of gallium environment on infrared emission in Er(3+)-doped gallium– antimony– sulfur glasses

Gallium-based Ga–Sb–S sulfide glasses was elaborated and studied. A relationship between the structure, composition, and optical properties of the glass has been established. The effects of the introduction of Ga on the structure using infrared and Raman spectroscopies and on the Er(3+)-doped IR emission have been discussed. The results show that incorporation of Ga induced the dissociation of [SbS(3)] pyramids units and the formation of tetrahedral [GaS(4)] units. The dissolved rare earth ions are separated around the Ga–S bonding and the infrared emission quenching are controlled. Moreover, continuous introduction of Er ions into the glass forms more Er–S bonds through the further aggregation surrounding the [GaS(4)] units. In return, the infrared emission intensity decreased with excessive Er ion addition. This phenomenon is correlated with the recurrence concentration quenching effect induced by the increase of [GaS(4)] units.