Emission at 1.3 µmfrom dysprosium-doped Ga:La:S glass

Abstract

The potential for optical amplification at 1.3 µm is demonstrated in a dysprosium-doped gallium-lanthanum-sulphide based glass. Lifetimes of 59 µs are observed for the 6H9/2 - 6H15/2 transition for which the emission peaks at 1.32 µm. A radiative lifetime of 203 µs is calculated by a Judd-Ofelt analysis, indicating a total radiative quantum efficiency of 29%. A pump absorption cross-section 20 times greater than Pr3+ suggests that shorter fibre devices may be possible.