Non-oxide glass waveguides

The chemical compositions, characteristic temperatures and optical transmission spectra of fluoride and chalcogenide glasses are presented. The various techniques used in the preparation of preforms, optical fibers, and planar waveguides are reviewed. Details are given on the application of rare-earth-doped fluoride glass fiber lasers, which operate at discrete wavelengths from the UV to the mid-IR. The performances of fiber amplifiers for telecommunication are reviewed as well. Because of a broad transmission range in the mid-Ir chalcogenide glasses are suitable for various passive applications. Experimental results on laser power delivery, radiometry and remote chemical analysis by means of chalcogenide fibers are reported.