Broadband Optical Amplification in Bi‐Doped Multicomponent Glass Fiber

Abstract Bismuth(Bi)‐doped photonic materials with broadband near‐infrared luminescence can be used in applications such as high‐capacity fiber communication, fiber laser, and biological imaging. The scalable fabrication of Bi‐doped fibers with high dopant solubility, high optical activity, and broadband optical response still remains a significant challenge. In this study, the comprehensive studies on the physical, chemical, mechanical, and optical responses of a Bi‐doped glass system are performed and a Bi‐doped germanate multicomponent glass system is proposed to be the promising candidate. The deactivation mechanism of Bi in a glass matrix is investigated and prevented by controlling the fiber drawing. In addition, a Bi‐doped multicomponent germanate glass fiber with a high level of Bi doping is successfully constructed. Finally, a principle compact fiber amplifier device is fabricated for broadband optical amplification. This device can be potentially used for increasing the capacity of telecommunication systems.