Silica glass composition with lasing properties, an optical waveguide and a method of amplifying optical signals

摘要

A thulium doped silica based glass capable of supporting lasing activity including Tm3+as a lasing species disposed in a host composition, including oxides of germanium, silicon and tantalum. The preferred concentration of silicon in the host composition being between 15-25 weight percent. The preferred concentration of germanium in the host composition being between 0.1-1 weight percent. The preferred concentration of tantalum in the host composition is greater than 15 weight percent. The preferred concentration of thulium ions being in the range of 500-1000 parts per million by weight.