Spectral properties of Er³⁺-doped chalcogenide glasses

Lanthanum sulphides glasses formed with sufficient proportions of Ga2S3 constitute a very convenient matrix for rare earth sulphides, and Pr3+-doped Ga2S3:La2S3 (GLS) glasses have been recognized as one of the most promising candidates for fibre amplifiers operating at a wavelength of 1.3µm. In this report, the spectral properties of chalcogenide glass of the molar composition 0.7Ga2S3:0.3La2S3 doped with Er3+ are presented and discussed. Emission and absorption spectra and lifetimes of energy levels have been measured. The 2.7µm emission, as shown below, has been observed from chalcogenide glass for the first time. Radiative and non-radiative transition rates are calculated and compared with the measured lifetimes of interesting energy levels