Ultrashort-laser-pulse-induced persistent spectral hole burning of Eu^3+ in sodium borate glasses

We have observed persistent spectral hole burning (PSHB) in Eu(3+) -doped sodium borate glasses irradiated with near-IR femtosecond laser pulses. As-prepared glasses, i.e., glasses melted in air, do not show PSHB even at low temperatures (~77K) , but room-temperature PSHB occurs in the irradiated glasses. The exposure to IR radiation causes both the reduction of Eu(3+) to Eu(2+) and the formation of intrinsic defects. We propose that the photoinduced redistribution of electric charges between Eu(3+) to Eu(2+) is responsible for the occurrence of PSHB.