Abstract

The quantum yield of Cr³⁺ is low in all glasses for which it has been determined, but rare earth ions in glasses typically have high quantum yields. Thus, co-doping Cr³⁺ with a rare earth is an attractive approach to improving the overall efficiency of glass lasers and flat panel luminescent solar concentrators. To be effective, the Cr³⁺ → rare earth energy transfer must be rapid compared to the Cr³⁺ decay rate. We have investigated Cr³⁺ → Yb³⁺ energy transfer and concentration quenching for singly and doubly doped lithium lanthanum phosphate glass. This glass composition was chosen because it has been found to be a suitable host for increasing the overall efficiency of Nd³⁺ when co-doped with Cr³⁺.⁽¹⁾ Our results indicate that rapid Cr³⁺ →Yb³⁺ energy transfer occurs in this glass. However, for dopant levels at which energy transfer dominates the Cr³⁺ relaxation, significant Yb³⁺ concentration quenching is found.

© 1984 Optical Society of America