Spectral properties and broadband optical amplification of Yb-Bi codoped MgO-Al₂O₃-ZnO-SiO₂ glasses

We reported on the spectral properties of Yb - Bi codoped MgO - Al ₂O₃ - ZnO - SiO₂ glasses. The near-infrared luminescence intensity in Yb - Bi codoped glass was ∼31 times stronger than that of Bi-doped glass with 980 nm laser diode excitation. No optical amplification was observed in Bi-doped glass, while apparent broadband optical amplification between 1270 and 1340 nm was observed from Yb-Bi codoped glass with 980 nm laser diode excitation. The highest optical gain and gain coefficient at 1270 nm of Yb - Bi codoped silicate glass reached to 1.57 dB and 7.84 dB·cm^-1, respectively. Yb - Bi codoped silicate glass is a promising candidate for broadband optical amplification.