ERBIUM PHOTOLUMINESCENCE IN SILICA-GEL FILMS ON POROUS ALUMINA

Erbium-containing sol-gel films were prepared in porous anodic alumina . The films were characterized by photoluminescence measurements, scan ning and transmission electron microscopy techniques, and secondary io n mass spectrometry. The structures showed efficient luminescence arou nd 1.54 mu m. The dependence of luminescence intensity on heat-treatme nt temperature and erbium content was investigated. Erbium-containing sol was demonstrated to penetrate deep into porous alumina; as a resul t, photoluminescence intensity increases as the alumina layer thicknes s increases. The structures fabricated in this work are promising cand idates for infrared optical converters with peak efficiency at 1.54 mu m.