Infrared luminescence from bismuth-doped silica glass

A new infrared luminescence from bismuth-doped silica glass is discovered. Spectroscopic properties of this glass are different from those of previously reported Bi2+- or Bi3+-doped glasses or crystals. Its luminescence spectrum is wide (full-width at half maximum; about 200 nm), with the peak at 1140 nm with 500 nm excitation. Absorption bands exist between the visible and near-infrared region. The lifetime of bismuth-doped silica glass is 630 mus at room temperature. which is longer than the lifetimes of Bi3+ luminescence reported previously.