GLASS COMPOSITION FLUORESCENT AT INFRARED WAVELENGTHS

摘要

A glass composition having a light-emitting function and a light-amplifying function over a wide range of wavelengths is disclosed. This glass composition contains a bismuth oxide, an aluminum oxide and a glass network former. The major component of the glass network former is an oxide other than silicon oxides. Bismuth contained in the bismuth oxide acts as the emission species, and emits fluorescence at infrared wavelengths when illuminated with excitation light. The glass network former is preferably B2O3 or P2O5. This glass composition may further contain a monovalent or divalent metal oxide.