Glass Composition Containing Bismuth and Method of Amplifying Signal Light Therewith

摘要

The present invention provides a novel glass composition in which fluorescence derived from bismuth (Bi) is obtained and whose meltability is improved. The glass composition of the present invention includes bismuth oxide, Al₂O₃ and SiO₂. SiO₂ is a main component of glass network forming oxide included in the glass composition. The glass composition further includes at least one oxide selected from TiO₂, GeO₂, P₂O₅ and B₂O₃. A total content of SiO₂, the at least one oxide, Y₂O₃ and lanthanide oxide is over 80 mol %. Bismuth included in the bismuth oxide functions as a luminous species. Upon irradiation of excitation light, the glass composition emits fluorescence in the infrared wavelength range.