Optical properties of Er3+-doped fluoride glass channel waveguides

The latest results on the preparation and characterization of Er3+-doped fluoride glass channel waveguides are presented. The waveguides are prepared by means of ion exchange between fluoride and chloride ions, through a silica mask, on ZBLA (ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AlF3) fluoride glass substrate. Single mode propagation is demonstrated at 1.55 μm for a 10-mm long, 5-μm wide waveguide. Propagation losses are found to be not greater than 0.28 dB/cm. An "on/off' gain of 3.9 dB is measured at the output of a 1% Er3+-4% Ce3+-doped fluoride waveguide, with about 240 mW incident pump power at 980 nm. Modelisation studies show that net gain could be achieved in (Er3+, Ce3+) doubly-doped and (Er3+, Ce3+, Yb3+) triply doped fluoride waveguides.