Sm³⁺-doped germanate glass channel waveguide as light source for minimally invasive photodynamic therapy surgery

In Sm³⁺-doped K⁺-Na⁺ ion-exchanged aluminum germanate (NMAG) glass channel waveguide, a clear and compact red amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) trace is observed under the excitation of a 488nm Ar⁺ laser. 78% photons of ASE fluorescence in visible region are demonstrated to be located in 600-730nm wavelength range. High-directivity and high-brightness ASE fluorescence of Sm³⁺-doped NMAG glass channel waveguide, which matches the excitation band of most photosensitizers (PS) currently used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) or clinical trials, has promising potential application as an excitation light source for PDT treatment. © 2012 Optical Society of America.