Spectroscopic properties of Er/Yb co-doped glass ceramics containing nanocrystalline Bi2ZnB2O7 for broadband near-infrared emission

Er/Yb co-doped transparent glass ceramics containing nanocrystalline Bi2ZnB2O7 were successfully prepared by a high-temperature melting method. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the structural properties of the crystal and glass phases of the glass ceramics. Scanning electron microscope images indicated that nanocrystalline Bi2ZnB2O7 with an average size of 30-40 nm was uniformly distributed in the glass matrix. Infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that the glass and glass ceramics had different vibrational peaks. The absorption spectra showed the absorption peaks of the samples, and the main spectral parameters of each absorption peak were calculated using the Judd-Ofelt theory. The emission spectra of the samples showed ultra-wideband fluorescence from 1400 to 1700 nm under excitation at 980 nm, which was enhanced by precipitation of nanocrystalline Bi2ZnB2O7 and the addition of Yb3+ ions. Our research showed that Er/Yb co-doped glass ceramics containing nanocrystalline Bi2ZnB2O7 are a promising material for application in near-infrared optical amplifiers.