A flat 2.0 μm ultra broadband emission with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 329 nm is achieved in 1 mol.% Tm2O3 and 0.05 mol.% Ho2O3 co-doped gallium tellurite glasses upon the excitation of an 808 nm laser diode. The influence of Tm3+ and Ho3+ contents on 2.0 μm spectroscopic properties of gallium tellurite glasses is minutely investigated by absorption spectra, emission spectra, and lifetime measurement. In addition, emission cross section and gain coefficient of Ho3+ ions at 2.0 μm

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... calculated, and the maximum values reach 8.2×10−21 cm2 and 1.54 cm-1, respectively. Moreover, forward and backward energy transfer probability between Tm3+ and Ho3+ ions are qualitatively evaluated by the extended spectral overlap method. Large ratio of the forward energy transfer from Tm3+ to Ho3+ to the backward one (19.7) and high forward energy transfer coefficient (6.22×1039 cm6/s) are responsible for effective 2.0 μm emission from Ho3+ ions. These results manifest that Tm3+/Ho3+ co-doped gallium tellurite glass is suitable for potential applications of broadband light sources and tunable fiber lasers operating in eye-safe 2.0 µm spectral region.