Fabrication and characterization of mid-infrared emission of Pr3+ doped selenide chalcogenide glasses and fibres

Abstract

A series of Pr³⁺-doped selenide glasses was prepared by a melt-quenching method. The Pr³⁺ doped fibre optic preform was fabricated using extrusion and was successfully drawn into a low optical loss, step-index fibre. Intense mid-infrared (2.8–5.5 μm) fluorescence spectra were achieved at different concentrations of Pr³⁺ doped selenide glass with a pump of 2.0 μm. A comparison of the emission spectra of bulk glass and the fibres is presented under 2.0 μm wavelength excitation. The strongest emission was achieved due to the dispersion effect of Ga by forming bonds of Pr³⁺–Se–Ga. Based on the measured absorption spectra, the Judd–Ofelt parameters were calculated, discussed and compared with other host glasses. Given these properties, this system has the potential to be a good gain material for further development to realize both fibre lasers and amplified spontaneous emission fibre sources in the mid-infrared region.