Abstract
We report the sol–gel chemistry reaction system and processes used to realize the first grating coupled monolithic solid state optical amplifier based on a Nd 3+ doped sol–gel tapered rib waveguide. The sol–gel matrix composition is 50SiO 2:50TiO 2:10AlO 1.5:1NdO 1.5. The signal (1064 nm) and pump (803 nm) beams were coupled via grating couplers into and out of the rib waveguide. A photoluminescence lifetime of 138 μs and a pump absorption cross-section of 1.79 × 10 −24 m −2 were measured. A net internal gain of 3.75 dB/cm was achieved. Theoretical simulations predict that this gain could be further improved. Analysis of the results suggests that the difference between achieved and predicted gain is due to low quantum efficiency caused by two-ion cross-relaxation and up-conversion, as manifestly evident by yellow light emitted from the device. The molecular-level processes during the doped sol–gel fabrication that could lead to these phenomena are discussed, and strategies are suggested to overcome these limitations in order to approach the full potential gain.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.