Preparation and spectral characterization of new Er3+-doped TeO2－B2O3－WO3－ZnO－ZnS glasses

Erbium-doped TeO_2-based oxysulfide glasses have been prepared in argon atmosphere in graphite crucibles. The results of thermal analysis and spectroscopic properties of Er^{3+} have been studied in terms of sulfide influence. As a function of composition, we have measured principally the optical absorption, spontaneous emission, and lifetime of the materials. Judd－Ofelt theory was introduced to calculate bandwidth and emission cross-section of Er^{3+}. The results demonstrate that addition of sulfide in tellurite glasses results in broad emission spectra, with high emission cross-section, slightly low emission lifetime and a comparatively high thermal stability as pure oxide glasses.