Toward Low-Loss Mid-Infrared Ga2O3-BaO-GeO2 Optical Fibers: Solving 30 Years of High Losses

Following the exceptional development of low-loss silica fibers in the 1970s, the emergence of high-speed long-distance telecommunication systems and high-power fiber lasers have revolutionized our daily lives [1]. However, silica fibers do not transmit light beyond
$2.5\ \mu \mathrm{m}$
and therefore cannot be employed for applications in the so-called mid-infrared (MIR) range. As a result, most MIR glass-based devices use fluoride or chalcogenide glasses (FCGs). However, the development of FCGs-containing devices is laborious due to either bad crystallization and hygroscopicity resilience or poor mechanical properties [2]. Moreover, even though their low thermal property is an important advantage for their fabrication, it becomes a disadvantage for the development of stable and powerful fiber lasers for instance.