ENHANCING EMISSION PROPERTIES OF RARE EARTH IONS IN CHALCOGENIDE GLASS VIA MINUTE COMPOSITIONAL ADJUSTMENTS

The significant role of the chemical environments of rare earths ions in controlling their radiative and nonradiative processes are exemplified in this study: The emission properties of rare earth ions ( Dy3+ or Tm3+ ) embedded in the strong covalent chalcogenide glass ( Ge and/or As containing sulphide glass) are dramatically enhanced upon the addition of very small amount of the Group III elements ( Ga or In ) and alkali halides ( CsBr or RbBr ). These compositional adjustments alter only the local structural environments of rare earth ions, while thermal stability of the modified glass is kept unaltered.