Gallium lanthanum sulphide fibers for infrared transmission

Gallium lanthanum sulphide GLS glass and fiber have potential for use in bo th active and passive infrared applications. In this paper the optical, the rmal, and other key properties, which are essential for understanding the a pplications and crucial in the quest for practical fibres, are discussed. G lass preparation by melt-quenching and subsequent fibre fabrication is desc ribed using both rod-in-tube and extruded preforms. Absorptive and scatteri ng losses are explored as they could represent a fundamental limitation to successful device fabrication. Potential passive and act ive applications a re reported and the prospects for a future generation of sulphide fiber-bas ed devices examined.