Review on structural, thermal, optical and spectroscopic properties of tellurium oxide based glasses for fibre optic and waveguide applications

This review focuses on the engineering of the structural, thermal, optical and spectroscopic properties of tellurium oxide (TeO 2) glasses for their applications in fibre optic and waveguide devices. Unlike silica optical fibres, tellurium oxide glass fibres and light waveguides support propagation of light beyond y 2 mm, where silica fibres become opaque. Silica fibres also have limited solubility for rare earth oxides due to silica's structure, which is where tellurium oxide fibres and light waveguides can offer significant opportunities to engineer novel lasers and amplifiers for integrated optics. In this review, we compare the structural properties of TeO 2 based glasses, modified by incorporating alkali, alkaline earth, and other oxide compounds. Based on Raman, UV, visible and infrared spectroscopic data, the structural aspects of tellurite glasses are discussed. The effects of compositional modification on the thermal and viscous flow properties are also compared and related with the resistance against devitrification. The significance of glass to crystal phase transformation during cooling and heating is explained in the context of preform and fibre fabrication. The review also reports on the characterisation of OH 2 impurities in tellurite glasses. Recent developments in tellurite fibre lasers and femtosecond laser inscribed waveguide fabrication are discussed. © 2012 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and ASM International.