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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
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Published on: November 30, 2012
Broadband NIR emission in sol-gel Er(3+)-activated SiO2-Ta2O5 glass ceramic planar and channel waveguides for optical
J L Ferrari1, K O Limal, L J Q Maia
1Departamento de Ouímica, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, USP - Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto/SP 14040-901, Brazil.
Abstract:
An Er(3+)-doped SiO2:Ta2O5 optical channel waveguide and nanocomposite were prepared by the sol-gel route at a Si:Ta 50:50 molar ratio. Channels with an excellent surface profile were easily and quickly fabricated by focusing a femtosecond laser onto the surface of multilayered films deposited on SiO2/Si substrates. In parallel, the same sol used to prepare the film was annealed at 900, 1000, and 1100 degrees C for 2 h, to get the nanocomposite materials. A broadband NIR emission around 1538 nm, assigned to the 4I13/2 --> 4I15/2 transition of the Er3+ ions was observed in the nanocomposites of amorphous SiO2 containing dispersed Ta2O5 nanocrystals. The 4I13/2 lifetime and emission bandwidth depend on the annealing temperature. In conclusion, Er(3+)-doped SiO2:Ta2O5 channel waveguides and nanocomposites are promising materials for photonic applications.
