Laser-induced sub-surface modification of the optical properties in transparent materials: nik-engineering (TM)

David Ashkenasi; Hans-Juergen Hoffmann; Gerhard J. Mueller

doi:10.1117/12.540695

18 November 2003 Laser-induced sub-surface modification of the optical properties in transparent materials: nik-engineering (TM)

David Ashkenasi, Hans-Juergen Hoffmann, Gerhard J. Mueller

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5063, Fourth International Symposium on Laser Precision Microfabrication; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.540695
Event: Fourth International Symposium on Laser Precision Microfabrication, 2003, Munich, Germany

Abstract

A new field in laser processing is opened by the method of modifying the optical properties, i.e. the refractive index, absorption- and scattering-coefficient, at minimal mechanical stress inside the material. Focusing ultra short laser pulses inside the transparent media allows to control and modify their optical properties. This is referred to as nik-engineering (TM), relating the technique to changes of the complex refractive index, i.e. (n+ik). Three dimensional patterns of the (n + ik) modifications can be achieved in the subsurface region even on a microscopic scale. New results in nik-engineering obtained in our application laboratory are presented using different optical materials. The results in laser nik-engineering of photo-chromic glass using ultra short laser pulses at a wavelength of 800 nm is presented. A model in respect to the relevant processes leading to the observed laser-induced modifications in the optical properties of photo-chromic glass is presented. We discuss the results and the commercial potential of nik-engineering.

Citation Download Citation

David Ashkenasi, Hans-Juergen Hoffmann, and Gerhard J. Mueller "Laser-induced sub-surface modification of the optical properties in transparent materials: nik-engineering (TM)", Proc. SPIE 5063, Fourth International Symposium on Laser Precision Microfabrication, (18 November 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.540695

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available