Abstract

Time-resolved fluorescence spectra and lifetimes of Eu³⁺-doped glasses were studied after picosecond-pulse excitation with the three harmonics of a Nd:YAG laser. The emission spectra were monitored between 300 and 900 nm and the observed bands were identified with transitions from the well known ⁵D_0,1,2 levels as well as with transitions from the ⁵D₃ level, higher metastable states of the 4f configuration, and the 5d level. The properties of these metastable states (lifetimes, quantum efficiencies, and branching ratios) were determined and the dynamics of their pumping and decay were studied. Excitation power dependence measurements were used to identify two-photon absorption processes, and excitation pulse width dependence measurements were used to determine the importance of real intermediate states in these processes. Cross sections for these processes were determined from the time-resolved spectroscopy data. The results are compared for different fluoride and oxide glass hosts.

© 1985 Optical Society of America