In this paper, we demonstrate Er3+ doped tellurite multi-mode microlasers in 1.5 μm-1.6 μm wavelength range fabricated via the plasma torch method. It is a simple and cost-effective method to produce microspheres with diameter ranges from 11-88 micrometers. Multimode laser output was observed with 0.98 μm pump laser. In addition, we measured luminescence and decay time of the Er3+ doped (0.5 mol %, 1 mol % and 2 mol %) samples.
Whispering gallery mode microspheres have garnered considerable attention due to their applications in signal processing and telecommunications. Unique properties such as high quality factor and small mode volume of whispering-gallery mode microspheres make them suitable for laser applications with a low pumping power requirement and narrow emission linewidth. Tellurite glass is a promising material for making microlasers because of its high transparency range, high refractive index, and it has been proven as a good host for rare earth ions leading to powerful and broad stimulated emission cross section. We reported lasing in Er3+ doped tellurite glass microspheres fabricated using the plasma torch method. 15Na2O25WO360TeO2 doped with 0.5 mol% Er3+ is used for the fabrication of microspheres. Laser light from the pump is coupled to the microsphere through a half and a full tapered fiber. An optical spectrum analyzer receives the counter propagating light from the microsphere. A pump laser of 980 nm is used to achieve the laser emission at 1570 nm.
To efficiently sense small gas concentrations using a whispering gallery mode resonator a xerogel coating can be applied onto the surface of the resonator. In this way, gas molecules can enter into the xerogel layer where they can interact with the electric filed of the whispering gallery modes. Here we present some results on ammonia gas detection using a silica microsphere coated with a sol-gel porous silica xerogel. The frequency shift of an isolated whispering gallery mode was measured in dependence on the ammonia gas concentration in the testing chamber and efficient gas sensing was observed. We discuss the observed results and elaborate how the proposed systems sensitivity can be tailored in respect to the geometrical parameters of the system including the sphere radius and the coating thickness.
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