Boosting the Downconversion Luminescence of Tm³⁺-Doped Nanoparticles for S-Band Polymer Waveguide Amplifier

Abstract

Polymer waveguide devices have attracted increasing interest in several rapidly developing areas of broadband communications since they are easily adaptable to on-chip integration and promise low propagation losses. As a key member of the waveguide gain medium, lanthanide doped nanoparticles have been intensively studied to improve the downconversion luminescence. However, current research efforts are almost confined to erbium-doped nanoparticles and amplifiers operating at the C-band; boosting the downconversion luminescence of Tm 3+ for S-band optical amplification still remains a challenge. Here we report a Tb 3+ -induced deactivation control to enhance Tm 3+ downconversion luminescence in a stoichiometric Yb lattice without suffering from concentration quenching. We also demonstrate their potential application in an S-band waveguide amplifier and record a maximum optical gain of 18 dB at 1464 nm. Our findings provide valuable insights into the fundamental understanding of deactivation-controlled luminescence enhancement and open up a new avenue toward the development of an S-band polymer waveguide amplifier with high gain.

Phosphine Oxide-Nd3+ Coordination Chains with Cumulated Output Enable Efficient LED-Pumping Optical Amplification

“…Rare-earth doped waveguide amplifier (RDWA) is important for developing long-haul, multichannel optical communication systems because of its superiorities in output enhancement and loss reduction. − Compared to conventional fiber amplifiers, RDWA has the advantages of high lanthanide doping concentrations and small sizes, making it more easily integrated into compact optical systems. − Neodymium-doped waveguide amplifier (NDWA) is one of the most important RDWAs since Nd 3+ -doped media can realize continuous wave amplification at 1.06 μm optical window, originated from f - f transition of Nd 3+ ( 4 F 3/2 → 4 I 11/2 ), and effectively avert exciton annihilation in contrast to organic dyes. − Therefore, after the pioneer report of photolime gel:Nd 3+ based amplifier, NDWAs are developed rapidly in recent years. − Nonetheless, no matter in polymeric, sol–gel, or glass media, Nd 3+ ion concentrations of inorganic NDWAs were mostly limited to alleviate Nd–Nd interaction-induced quenching . As a result, for relative gains reaching ∼3 dB/cm, laser pumping was commonly under the power of hundreds of milliwatts, which not only hindered device miniaturization but also gave rise to upconversion-induced quenching of lanthanide ions and consequently thermal damage. , …”