Supercontinuum generation up to 2.5 μm in photonic crystal fiber made of lead-bismuth-galate glass

In this paper we report on successful supercontinuum generation extending from the near to the mid-infrared region in the range 700–2500 nm in a micro-structured fiber made of lead-bismuth-galate glass and pumped in the femtosecond regime with a wavelength of 1540 nm. The flatness of 5 dB is observed in most of the registered spectrum 1000 – 2500 nm. The improved spectral and thermo-physical properties of this custom made lead-bismuth-galate glass against tellurite and commercially available heavy oxide SF-57 glasses are presented.