Open AccessNanosize structural modifications with polarization functions in ultrafast laser irradiated bulk fused silica
Author(s) -
Konstantin Mishchik,
Guanghua Cheng,
Guangwen Huo,
Igor M. Burakov,
Cyril Mauclair,
Alexandre Mermillod–Blondin,
A. Rosenfeld,
Y. Ouerdane,
Aziz Boukenter,
Ο. Parriaux,
Razvan Stoian
Publication year - 2010
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.18.024809
Subject(s) - materials science , birefringence , optics , polarization (electrochemistry) , nanoscopic scale , anisotropy , laser , scattering , irradiation , spectroscopy , light scattering , optoelectronics , linear polarization , ultrashort pulse , nanotechnology , chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , nuclear physics
Laser-induced self-organization of regular nanoscale layered patterns in fused silica is investigated using spectroscopy and microscopy methods, revealing a high presence of stable broken oxygen bonds. Longitudinal traces are then generated by replicating static irradiation structures where the nanoscale modulation can cover partially or completely the photoinscribed traces. The resulting birefringence, the observed anisotropic light scattering properties, and the capacity to write and erase modulated patterns can be used in designing bulk polarization sensitive devices. Various laser-induced structures with optical properties combining guiding, scattering, and polarization sensitivity are reported. The attached polarization functions were evaluated as a function of the fill factor of the nanostructured domains. The polarization sensitivity allows particular light propagation and confinement properties in three dimensional structures.