Superbroadband near-IR emission from praseodymium-doped bismuth gallate glasses

Superbroadband near-infrared (NIR) emission covering 1250 to 1680 nm wavelength has been obtained in praseodymium (Pr(3+)) singly doped bismuth gallate glasses. The emission originates from the (1)G(4)→(3)H(5) and (1)D(2)→(1)G(4) transitions at 1330 and 1490 nm wavelengths, respectively, and is due to the extremely low phonon energy (∼690 cm(-1)) and the unique ligand field of the glasses. It is shown that the emission line shape can be modified by adjusting the Pr(3+) concentration and the energy transfers involved. The results confirm that other than bismuth (Bi), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and other chemical elements, Pr(3+) singly doped system is a promising alternative in achieving superbroadband NIR emission.