Active waveguides for mid-IR (3–4 µm) wavelengths fabricated by femtosecond laser inscription in Dy3+ doped tellurite glass

The wavelength range between 3 – 4 µm is a highly sensitive window for environmental monitoring, bio medical application and spectroscopy. Glasses though can offer high bandwidths are often difficult to maneuver in mid IR wavelengths due to its high phonon energies. Tellurite glass have low phonon energies with high transparency up to 6 – 7 µm. We present the successful production of channel waveguides in a rare-earth doped tellurite glass obtaining active operation within the 3 – 4 µm wavelength window.