Abstract

Lanthanides doped fluoride nanoparticles have been extensively studied for their potential applications in bio-imaging, display, etc [1-2]. Due to the smaller size, nanocrystals were also used in optical devices. For example, LaF₃:Nd³⁺ nanoparticle doped polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composites were successfully used for the preparation of waveguides with the optical gain of 18 dB [3]. However, the conventional polymer host, PMMA, does not show excellent transparency properties in the infrared region, especially in the telecommunication window. In this work, we report the synthesis and optical properties of Er³⁺-doped LiYF₄−bisphenol A ethoxylate diacrylates (BPAEDA) nanocomposite. The polymer BPAEDA showed broad transparency range centered at 1550 nm which is confirmed by the absorption spectrum. Under the excitation of a 978 nm laser, the optically transparent Er³⁺-doped LiYF₄−BPAEDA nanocomposite showed intense and broad emissions in S+C+L band.

© 2013 IEEE