Broadband Optical Amplification in Bi-Doped Multicomponent Glass Fiber

Bismuth(Bi)-doped photonic materials with broadband near-infrared luminescence can be used in applications such as high-capacity fiber communication, fiber laser, and biological imaging. The scalable fabrication of Bi-doped fibers with high dopant solubility, high optical activity, and broadband optical response still remains a significant challenge. In this study, the comprehensive studies on the physical, chemical, mechanical, and optical responses of a Bi-doped glass system are performed and a Bi-doped germanate multicomponent glass system is proposed to be the promising candidate. The deactivation mechanism of Bi in a glass matrix is investigated and prevented by controlling the fiber drawing. In addition, a Bi-doped multicomponent germanate glass fiber with a high level of Bi doping is successfully constructed. Finally, a principle compact fiber amplifier device is fabricated for broadband optical amplification. This device can be potentially used for increasing the capacity of telecommunication systems.