FLUORESCENCE ENHANCEMENT OF ER3-DOPED SOL-GEL GLASS BY ALUMINUM CODOPING()

Erbium-doped silica glasses prepared by the sol-gel process are desira ble for applications in high-power lasers and integrated optical devic es. However, its fluorescence could be quenched due to the high hydrox yl (OH-) content. Although this OH- content can be greatly reduced thr ough special gas treatment [Y. Zhou, S. S. Wang, H. L. Liu, Y. L. Lam, Y. C. Chan, and C. H. Kam, EEE J. 8, 109 (1996).], the fluorescence i s still considered weak for practical applications. We have used sol-g el aluminum codoping to increase the solubility of the Er3+ ions in a silica glass host and, consequently, significantly enhanced the fluore scence intensity of Er3+-doped sol-gel glass to the extent suitable fo r practical usage. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.