Heavy-oxide glasses with superior mechanical assets for nonlinear fiber applications in the mid-infrared

The ability to produce robust fiber-based integrated optical systems operating over a wide spectral domain (UV to mid-infrared), is one of today's key challenges in photonics. This work reports on the production of crystal-free, light guiding fibers from rich Ga2O3 oxide-based glass compositions. These materials show optical transmission extending from ultraviolet wavelengths (similar to 0.280 mu m) up to 6 mu m in the IR for millimeter length scale while exhibiting relatively high vitreous transition temperatures (similar to 735 degrees C), nonlinear optical properties and improved surface micro-hardness. This combination of superior thermal, mechanical and optical properties represents a promising alternative for the development of robust fibers operating in the visible up to the 3-5 mu m window. (c) 2021 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement

Automated summary

This study reports on the production of crystal-free, light guiding fibers made from Ga2O3 oxide-based glass compositions, which exhibit a wide optical transmission range from ultraviolet to mid-infrared wavelengths, along with superior thermal, mechanical, and optical properties. These fibers show promise as a robust alternative for optical systems operating in the visible up to the 3-5 μm window.