Enhanced broadband near-infrared luminescence and optical amplification in Yb–Bi codoped phosphate glasses

Abstract

Yb–Bi codoped phosphate glass was prepared and its properties were compared with Bi-doped phosphate glass. The broadband infrared luminescence intensity from Yb–Bi codoped glass was ∼32 times stronger than that of Bi-doped glass. The single-pass optical amplification was measured on a traditional two-wave mixing configuration. No optical amplification was observed in Bi-doped glass, while apparent broadband optical amplification between 1272 and 1336nm was observed from Yb–Bi codoped glass with 980nm laser diode excitation. The highest gain coefficient at 1272nm of Yb–Bi codoped glass reached to 2.62cm−1. Yb–Bi codoped phosphate glass is a promising material for broadband optical amplification.

Infrared luminescence and amplification properties of Bi-doped GeO2−Ga2O3−Al2O3 glasses

“…Although the gain value under excitation with 980 nm is smaller than that under 800 nm, which might be ascribed to the relative low absorption cross section of active centers at 980 nm, the amplification performance could be expected to be improved by codoping sensitization ions ͑e.g., Yb͒. 30 …”

NIR luminescence from Er–Yb, Bi–Yb and Bi–Nd codoped germanate glasses for optical amplification

“…Several pumping sources, such as 800 nm and 980 nm laser diodes (LDs) and YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) laser at 1.064 m have been used for Bi-doped glasses in order to obtain near-infrared emission and optical amplification. However, the quantum yield of the near-infrared luminescence is very low since the stimulated emission cross section of Bi-doped glasses is very small at these wavelengths [26]. For practical applications, it is necessary to use commercially available LDs as pumping sources.…”

Bi-doped BaF_2 crystal for broadband near-infrared light source

“…Recently, a novel active ion (bismuth) has attracted a great interest due to its favorable potential for broadband amplifier and tunable laser [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. A number of glass hosts have been investigated and broadband near-infrared (NIR) luminescence has been reported in silicate [6], germinate [7], phosphate [8], and barium borate glasses [9].…”