Abstract

The aim of this study is to implement in optical fibres the broad and strong optical absorption and emission bands of transition metal ions (TMs). Among them, chromium has the most interesting application prospects, particularly in its Cr⁴⁺ oxidation state either as amplifying medium or as saturable absorber. Silica-based fibres were chosen because all operating systems, especially in telecommunications, are based on this technology. Little literature exists on TM-doped silica-based glasses [1]. However, the effects of chemical composition on the Cr-oxidation states and optical properties have been reported in aluminosilicate glasses [2], but these were too different from silica-based fibres.

© 2000 IEEE