Optoenergy storage and random walks assisted broadband amplification in Er3+-doped (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3 disordered...

A broadband optical amplification was observed and investigated in Er3+-doped electrostrictive ceramics of lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate under a corona atmosphere. The ceramic structure change caused by UV light, electric field, and random walks originated from the diffusive process in intrinsically disordered materials may all contribute to the optical amplification and the associated energy storage. Discussion based on optical energy storage and diffusive equations was given to explain the findings. Those experiments performed made it possible to study random walks and optical amplification in transparent ceramics materials.