Luminescence enhancement by Au nanoparticles in Er^3+-doped germano-silicate optical fiber

Abstract

We report on the fabrication of the Au nanoparticles/Er(3+) codoped germano-silicate fibers by modified chemical vapor deposition and solution doping processes. Absorption and luminescence characteristics of the Er(3+)-doped germano-silicate fibers incorporated with Au nanoparticles in the core of the fibers were investigated. The Au nanoparticles were found to be effective absorbents for hydroxyl groups to enhance the luminescence of Er(3+) ions upon pumping with the 980nm laser diode.