Er3+ excitation and up-conversion processes in Y2−xErxSi2O7 films for planar optical amplifiers

Structural and optical properties of Y<inf>2−x</inf>Er<inf>x</inf>Si<inf>2</inf>O<inf>7</inf> thin films have been studied. For higher Er content mechanisms related to Er-Er interactions increase optical efficiency. Moreover the influence of up-conversion has been estimated.