Optical amplification of Pr^3+-doped ZBLA channel waveguides for visible Laser emission

We report on the first observation of optical signal amplification in the visible range into praseodymium doped ZBLA glass channel waveguides obtained by ion exchange. Up to 30% signal amplification was obtained at 639 nm. This result shows the potential of rare earth doped fluoride glasses in the form of channel waveguides for integrated solid state visible laser sources.