Toward more performant eye safe lasers: effect of increasing sensitizer amount in Yb3+,Er3+:YAG transparent ceramic on its spectral characteristics

TL;DR

This study investigates how increasing Yb3+ ion concentration in Er3+,Yb3+:YAG ceramics affects their microstructure and spectral properties, aiming to optimize eye-safe laser performance.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the effects of Yb3+ concentration on the spectroscopic behavior and microstructure of Er3+,Yb3+:YAG ceramics, and proposes optimal ion ratios for improved laser efficiency.

Findings

High Yb3+ concentration causes impurity phases and segregation.

Yb3+ ions influence emission spectra and lifetimes.

Optimal Er3+/Yb3+ ratio enhances luminescence efficiency.

Abstract

Developing efficient Er3+,Yb3+:YAG eye-safe lasers is a priority of modern laser technology. This paper focuses on the influence of the concentration of Yb3+ ions on the spectroscopic properties of Er3+,Yb3+:YAG transparent ceramics. Four samples with different concentrations of Yb3+ ions were prepared by solid-state reaction sintering. The study revealed the influence of Yb3+ ions on the microstructure and the sintering process. A high concentration of Yb3+ ions leads to the formation of Y3+-rich impurity phases and causes segregation of Er3+ and Yb3+ and Si4+ into these phases. The influence of Yb3+ ions on the shape of emission spectra and the lifetimes of both Er3+ and Yb3+ ions was shown. Changes in the spectroscopic properties were ascribed to increase in neat transfer between Yb3+ and Er3+ ions. IQE of Er3+ and Yb3+ luminescence were calculated, and optimal Er3+/Yb3+ ions ratio were proposed