Superbroadband near-IR emission from praseodymium-doped bismuth gallate glasses

Superbroadband near-infrared (NIR) emission covering 1250 to 1680 nm wavelength has been obtained in praseodymium (Pr3+) singly doped bismuth gallate glasses. The emission originates from the (1)G(4) -> H-3(5) and D-1(2) -> (1)G(4) transitions at 1330 and 1490nm wavelengths, respectively, and is due to the extremely low phonon energy (similar to 690 cm(-1)) and the unique ligand field of the glasses. It is shown that the emission line shape can be modified by adjusting the Pr3+ concentration and the energy transfers involved. The results confirm that other than bismuth (Bi), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and other chemical elements, Pr3+ singly doped system is a promising alternative in achieving superbroadband NIR emission. (C) 2011 Optical Society of America