Er3+ doped heavy metal fluoride glasses are studied by use of the upconversion process because they can efficiently convert 800 nm light from a diode laser into visible light. The dynamics of the upconversion processes and the efficiencies of these processes vary with composition and preparation route of the heavy metal fluoride glasses. The dynamics of the upconversion processes in these glasses is discussed, and the dependence on rare-earth concentration, fluoride glass composition, and preparation conditions are discussed. A practical application of this work, the construction of an upconversion laser, is also described.
|