Laser potential of calcium aluminate glasses

Deeply dehydrated calcium aluminate glasses doped by rare-earth ions were synthesized and investigated. Spectroscopic properties of Tm3+ and Ho3+ doped glasses were found attractive for fiber lasers emitting in 2-2.5 μm spectral range. Cascade laser action (at 2300 and 2100 nm) in Tm doped bulk calcium aluminate glass was demonstrated for the first time.