Glass-forming region of TeO2-BaF2-Y2O3 system and 2.7 μm emission of the optimal composition co-doped with Er3+/Ag nanoparticles

In this study, a series of TeO₂-BaF₂-Y₂O₃ (TBY) fluorotellurite glasses were prepared, and the glass forming region (GFR) of the TBY system was determined. We systematically investigate the impact of varying BaF₂ content on the glass forming ability, structural characteristics, and thermal stability. To enhance the mid-infrared fluorescence at 2.7 μm from Er³⁺ ions, silver nanoparticles (NPs) were introduced into Er³⁺-doped TBY glass by incorporating AgCl powder. The experimental results demonstrate that that an optimal AgCl content of 0.5 mol% significantly boosts the luminescence intensity of Er³⁺ at 2.7 μm by approximately 51 %, while extending the fluorescence lifetime from 0.418 ms to 0.64 ms. Furthermore, the quantum efficiency of the Er³⁺: ⁴I_11/2 → ⁴I_13/2 transition is enhanced from 13.9 % to 22.1 %. The maximum absorption and emission cross-sections near 2.7 μm for the Er³⁺/Ag NPs co-doped TBY glass were 6.20 × 10⁻²¹ cm² and 7.16 × 10⁻²¹ cm², respectively. The above results indicate that Er³⁺/Ag NPs co-doped TBY glasses possess strong potential for applications in mid-infrared fiber and laser technologies.