Optically active Fe²⁺-doped ZnSe particles in a chalcogenide glass matrix

High brightness light sources in the mid-infrared are of particular interest for a host of different applications. However, the selection and availability of laser gain media in this spectral region are severely lacking. In this manuscript, we demonstrate broadband optical emission in the 3520-5200 nm region from Fe2+-doped ZnSe microparticles dispersed in a chalcogenide glass matrix which is amenable to fiber drawing. A conformal alumina shell was applied to the Fe:ZnSe particles which prevented ZnSe dissolution and preserved normal Fe2+ optical absorption and emission properties during the composite material manufacturing process. The broadband emission properties of the Fe:ZnSe-doped chalcogenide glass material observed here are promising for the future development of fiber lasers operating at wavelengths > 4 µm.