Femtosecond laser waveguide inscription in linear and nonlinear mid-infrared transparent glasses

Alex Fuerbach*, Thuy Trong Ha, Wajahat Hussain, Toney Teddy Fernandez

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

Abstract

In this paper, we report on the fabrication of integrated photonic devices for the mid-infrared spectral range via the femtosecond laser direct-write technique. Utilising this method, the inscription of wavelength-selective fibre-pigtailed directional couplers in synthetic silica glass with ultra-low hydroxide (OH) content is demonstrated. Further, we show that a tailored compositional redesign of zirconium fluoride (ZBLAN) glass enables the fabrication of optical waveguides with record-high numerical aperture and ultra-low propagation losses. Finally, the design and fabrication of nonlinearly coupled waveguide arrays in Gallium Lanthanum Sulphide (GLS) chalcogenide glass is presented and their application as artificial saturable absorbers for mode-locked mid-infrared fibre laser systems is discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationICTON 2024
Subtitle of host publicationConference Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks
EditorsFrancesco Prudenzano, Marian Marciniak
Place of PublicationBari, Italy
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9798350377309
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Event24th International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks, ICTON 2024 - Bari, Italy
Duration: 14 Jul 202418 Jul 2024

Publication series

NameInternational Conference on Transparent Optical Networks
ISSN (Print)2162-7339
ISSN (Electronic)2161-2064

Conference

Conference24th International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks, ICTON 2024
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityBari
Period14/07/2418/07/24

Keywords

  • chalcogenide glasses
  • femtosecond laser direct-writing
  • fluoride glasses
  • mid-infrared photonics
  • nonlinear optics
  • optical waveguides

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