Chalcogenide optical pumping system driven by broad absorption band

The present invention concerns an optical pumping system making use of a broad continuous absorption band in rare earth doped chalcogenide glasses. The absorption band is approximately 400 nm in width and extends from approximately 600 nm to 1000 nm. Through subjecting the glass to pumping light from an excitation source within the broad absorption band, photoluminescence emissions are produced. Size and strength of the pumping absorption band are such that great flexibility is provided in implementation of the excitation source. Specific embodiments of4 the present invention may utilize Er or Pr doped Ge.sub.33 As.sub.12 S.sub.55 or As.sub.2 S. Selection of the chalcogenide host may adjust the broad absorption band. As an example, a narrower gap chalcogenide glass, such as Ge.sub.28 Sb.sub.12 Se.sub.60, should extend the broad absorption band into the 1064 nm wavelength. Lasers, optical amplifiers and other devices may be realized in accordance with the pumping system of the present invention, and the chalcogenide glass may be formed as a thin film combined on a substrate with a semi-conductor laser.