Spectroscopic properties of Nd3+ in fluoroaluminate glasses for an efficient 1.3 μm optical amplifier

In the majority of Nd3+-doped glasses the amplifier gain is shifted out of the second telecom window (1.3 Irm) as a result of long-wavelength emission and signal excited-state absorption (ESA). In this paper we describe new fluoroaluminate glasses:developed as hosts for the 1.3 mu m Nd3+-doped fibre amplifier. Nd3+ emission peaks at 1310-1317 nn were demonstrated in glasses. Gain in the 1510-1320 nm region was measured in unclad fibres, with evidence of reduced ESA. The paper also examines thermal and viscous properties of the core and cladding glasses for preform and fibre fabrication, (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.