Cr:LiSrAlF6 channel waveguides as broadband fluorescence sources

We report on the production and fluorescence of active channel waveguides in Cr:LiSrAlF₆. We have produced ∼10 μm wide and 5 μm high channel waveguides by He⁺ ion implantation, lithographic patterning and subsequent Ar⁺ ion sputtering. Diode-pumped waveguides emitted 13 μW of fluorescence light with a spectrum ranging from 760 nm to 900 nm at a pump power of 165 mW and a pump wavelength of 660 nm. The compact and cheap optical pump source is a main advantage of this fluorescence material. This makes Cr:LiSrAlF₆ channel waveguides a suitable candidate for a broadband fluorescence source in low-coherence interferometry and other applications in the near-infrared wavelength range. PACS 42.70.Hj; 42.79.Gn; 42.30.Wb