Origin of near to middle infrared luminescence and energy transfer process of Er(3+)/Yb(3+)co-doped fluorotellurite glasses under different excitations

We report the near to middle infrared luminescence and energy transfer process of Er(3+)/Yb(3+) co-doped fluorotellurite glasses under 980, 1550 and 800 nm excitations, respectively. Using a 980 nm laser diode pump, enhanced 1.5 and 2.7 μm emissions from Er(3+):I(13/2)→(4)I(15/2) and I(11/2)→(4)I(13/2) transitions are observed, in which Yb(3+) ions can increase pumping efficiency and be used as energy transfer donors. Meanwhile, Yb(3+) can also be used as an acceptor and intensive upconversion luminescence of around 1000 nm is achieved from Er(3+):I(11/2)→(4)I(15/2) and Yb(3+): F(5/2)→(4)F(7/2) transitions using 1550 nm excitation. In addition, the luminescence properties and variation trendency by 800 nm excitation is similar to that using 1550 nm excitation. The optimum Er(3+) and Yb(3+) ion ratio is 1:1.5 and excess Yb(3+) ions decrease energy transfer efficiency under the two pumpings. These results indicate that Er(3+)/Yb(3+) co-doped fluorotellurite glasses are potential middle- infrared laser materials and may be used to increase the efficiency of the silicon solar cells.