Optics, Lasers & Photonics

Biography

Biography: K. Linganna

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: For the past decades, erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) has become a key element of modern telecommunication system due to Er³⁺ ion emission at 1.53 mm attributed to the ⁴I_13/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transition [1, 2]. The commercial EDFAs used in communication networks are made up of silica glass that has a relatively narrow bandwidth emission (~35 nm) resulting in a narrow gain curve, which limits its applications to meet broadband transmission. Among different host matrices, fluorophosphate (FP) glasses have received great interest for laser and optical amplifier applications because of their characteristic properties [3, 4]. Therefore, Er³⁺-doped FP glasses can enlarge the emission cross-section and improve luminous efficiency because of the characteristic features of Er³⁺ ions and advantageous properties of mixed fluoride and phosphate glasses [5]. Hence, the present study carried out spectroscopic studies on Er³⁺-doped FP glasses for different concentrations of Er³⁺. Methodology: Er³⁺-doped fluorophosphate glasses were prepared by a conventional melt quenching technique and were characterized through spectroscopic techniques. Findings: From absorption, emission and decay measurements, the important spectroscopic properties such as bandwidths, emission cross-sections and lifetime were evaluated for significant 1.53 mm emission band. The emission cross-section and lifetime were found to be of the order of 2.0´10^-20 cm² and 10 ms, respectively. These desirable parameters are used to see the potentiality of the material for laser gain media. Conclusion & Significance: It was concluded that higher dopant Er concentration improved the 1.53 mm emission band characteristic properties. The results indicate that this glass composition can enable construction of short, highly efficient fiber or planar waveguide amplifiers.