Bismuth-doped fiber lasers for optical communications and sensing**

目前的光网络继续经历着业务量的增加，由于广泛部署的用于光放大的掺Er光纤的增益频谱有限，因此正在达到“容量紧缩”。位于掺Er和Tm光纤增益带之间的1600-1800 nm的波长范围，由于其作为光互连和通信的新的传输窗口的潜力，现在受到了相当大的关注。与此同时，1700 nm波段位于生物组织的透明窗口中，对于传感和仪器设备，特别是生物组织的显微镜来说，是很有趣的。最近，高锗硅酸盐有源掺铋光纤(BDF)被开发出来，以在1650-1800 nm的光谱范围内提供光增益。鉴于BDF技术还处于相对较新的阶段，将BDF激光器推向市场需要大量的研究和开发。*OZ Optics Ltd.(www.ozoptics.com)是用于下一代光纤网络和光纤传感器系统的光纤产品的全球领先供应商。该项目将麦吉尔大学的研究人员与OZ光学公司的研究人员联合起来，开发一系列BDF激光器，包括基于连续波或脉冲(调Q和锁模)操作的BDF激光器以及多波长输出。这些激光器将在光通信、传感和仪器仪表等领域得到广泛应用，并将扩大OZ光学公司的产品组合。*该项目还将为2名学员提供出色的培训，以培养他们在广泛的光电子行业就业所需的技术技能。*

Current optical networks, which continue to experience increased traffic, are reaching a 'capacity crunch' caused by the limited gain spectrum of widely deployed Er-doped fiber for optical amplification. Considerable attention is now being paid to the wavelength range of 1600- 1800 nm, which lies between the Er-doped and Tm-doped fiber gain bands, due to its potential as a new transmission window for optical interconnections and communications. At the same time, the 1700 nm band is in the transparency window of living tissues and is interesting for sensing and instrumentation, particularly microscopy of biological tissues. Recently, high-germanium silicate active Bismuth-doped fibers (BDFs) have been developed to provide optical gain in the spectral region from 1650-1800 nm. Given the relatively nascent stage of BDF technology, significant research and development is necessary to bring BDF lasers to market.****OZ Optics Ltd. (www.ozoptics.com) is a leading global supplier of fiber optic products for next-generation optical networks as well as fiber optic sensor systems. This project unites the interests of researchers at McGill University with OZ Optics to develop a wide range of BDF lasers, including those based on CW or pulsed (Q-switched and mode-locked) operation as well as multi-wavelength output. These lasers should find application for a number of applications in optical communications, sensing, and instrumentation and will expand OZ Optics' product portfolio. ****The project will also provide excellent training for 2 trainees to develop technical skills that will serve them well for employment in the broad photonics industry.****