Spectral properties and broadband optical amplification of Yb-Bi codoped MgO-Al2O3-ZnO-SiO2 glasses

We reported on the spectral properties of Yb-Bi codoped MgO-Al2O3-ZnO-SiO2 glasses. The near-infrared luminescence intensity in Yb-Bi codoped glass was similar to 31 times stronger than that of Bi-doped glass with 980 nm laser diode excitation. No optical amplification was observed in Bi-doped glass, while apparent broadband optical amplification between 1270 and 1340 nm was observed from Yb-Bi codoped glass with 980 nm laser diode excitation. The highest optical gain and gain coefficient at 1270 nm of Yb-Bi codoped silicate glass reached to 1.57 dB and 7.84 dB.cm(-1), respectively. Yb-Bi codoped silicate glass is a promising candidate for broadband optical amplification. (c) 2009 Optical Society of America