LAUSR

This work studied the luminescent properties of Er3+/Ag-codoped bismuthate glass nanocomposites (BGN). Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks characteristic of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were present at 575–590 nm. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that Ag NPs with different sizes were distributed in the glass matrix. The fluorescence intensity of Er3+ ions at 2.7 μm first increased and then decreased with increasing Ag content, and the maximum fluorescence intensity was obtained under the addition of 1.5 mol% AgCl. Meanwhile, the fluorescence lifetime at 2.7 μm (4I13/2) was extended through the addition of Ag NPs and achieved the maximum value under the addition of 1.5 mol% AgCl. This phenomenon was caused by the local field enhancement of Ag NPs and Ag0→Er3+ energy transfer. The maximum stimulated emission cross-section σem of the Er3+: 4I11/2→4I13/2 transition at 2.7 μm was 1.36 × 10−19 cm2. All the above results indicated that Er3+/Ag-codoped BGN is a promising gain medium for lasers, optical displays, and optical memory devices.