On the role of cerium in a chromium-ytterbium-erbium phosphate glass

The influence of cerium oxide on photo- and gamma-stability of chromium-ytterbium-erbium phosphate glasses is studied. It is found that UV irradiation does not cause any noticeable changes in the glass independently of the presence of cerium. Gamma rays produce colour centres in glasses without cerium and their lasing properties deteriorate. Doping glasses with an optimum amount of cerium oxide improves their radiation resistance with respect to gamma rays.