Enhanced photoluminescence at ? = 1.54 ?m in the Cu-doped Er:SiO 2 system

The radiofrequency magnetron sputtering codeposition is a versatile technique to obtain Er-doped glass films, i.e., optical materials characterized by the emission of an intense photoluminescence signal at ? = 1.54 ?m, the most exploited wavelength for optical telecommunications through fiberglass. After the optimization of this radiative emission in the Er:SiO systems, strong sensitizing effects in Cu-doped Er:SiO glass systems were evidenced and investigated. Experimental findings suggested that the main energy-transfer mechanism in the metal-doped Er:SiO system could be related only to the very small size (less than 1-2 nm) of the doping aggregates and not dependent on their composition. © 2012 American Chemical Society.