Open AccessRefractive index modification in glass by laser backwriting ablation of metals
Author(s) -
R. Rangel-Rojo,
A. Castelo,
M. T. Flores-Arias,
Carlos Gómez-Reino,
C. López-Gascón,
G.F. de la Fuente
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.14.008765
Subject(s) - materials science , refractive index , optics , substrate (aquarium) , ablation , laser ablation , laser , nanosecond , optoelectronics , oceanography , physics , aerospace engineering , engineering , geology
We report the use of laser ablation of metal targets onto a glass substrate as a way of producing waveguiding devices. In the geometry employed, the nanosecond pulses used for the ablation pass through the glass substrate, and are focused on the metal surface, which is located in close proximity with the substrate. We present measurements of the refractive index profile obtained with this technique, and present a discussion of the physical mechanisms that produce the profiles measured.