Broadband 2.7 µm mid-infrared emissions in Er3+-doped PbO–PbF2–Bi2O3–Ga2O3 glasses

Broadband emission at 2.7 µm is observed in an Er3+-doped PbO-PbF2-Bi2O3-Ga2O3 glass. The measured emission band full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) is ∼184.4nm, approximately 36 nm wider than that of fluoride glasses. The 2.7 µm emission intensity is almost twice as strong as that of fluoride glasses. The peak values of emission and absorption cross-sections are calculated to be 1.54×10-20cm2 and 1.19×10-20cm2, respectively. This oxyfluoride heavy metal glass shows potential as broadband mid-infrared emission gain material.