Enhanced mid-IR luminescence of Er3+ ions at 2.7 μm in TiO2-GeO2-BaO-Ga2O3 glasses

Er3+-doped glass based on TiO2–GeO2–BaO–Ga2O3 has been examined for mid-IR luminescence applications. Mid-IR luminescence corresponding to the 4I11/2 → 4I13/2 transition of Er3+ is enhanced in the presence of TiO2. These effects are stronger for mid-IR emission at 2727 nm than near-IR emission at 1533 nm related to the 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 transition of Er3+. The gain bandwidth for the 4I11/2 → 4I13/2 transition of Er3+ is relatively large (σem × FWHM = 8.14 × 10−26cm3), which imply that glass with TiO2 might be a promising candidate for efficient sources emitting mid-IR radiation.