Here, we use molecular dynamics simulation to reconstruct a silica-titania glass with a Ti/Si atomic ratio of 8.5% activated by 0.7 at% of erbium. These quantities are chosen because they give both refractive index and optically ions concentration suitable for applications. We use a modified Born-Mayer-Huggins potential taking into account a three- body interaction. The distribution of TiO₄ and SiO₄ units as well as the bridging to non-bridging oxygen ratios are evaluated. The local environment of rare-earth ions is also analyzed. In particular, the clustering of erbium is discussed. From the simulated structure, the crystal-field strength is computed and discussed according to the Er³⁺ local environment. Finally, results are compared with information obtained by Raman and photoluminescence spectra.

Date Published: 13 April 2000
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 3942, Rare-Earth-Doped Materials and Devices IV, (13 April 2000); doi: 10.1117/12.382864

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 3942:
Rare-Earth-Doped Materials and Devices IV
Shibin Jiang, Editor(s)