Femtosecond laser direct-write waveplates based on stress-induced birefringence
Abstract
The use of femtosecond lasers to introduce controlled stress states has recently been demonstrated in silica glass. We use this technique, in combination with chemical etching, to generate and control stress-induced birefringence over a well-defined region of interest, demonstrating direct-write wave plates with precisely tailored retardance levels. This tailoring enables the fabrication of laser-written polarization optics that can be tuned to any wavelength for which silica is transparent and with a clear aperture free of any laser modifications. Using this approach, we achieve sufficient retardance to act as a quarter-wave plate. The stress distribution within the clear aperture is analyzed and modeled, providing a generic template that can be used as a set of design rules for laser-machined polarization devices.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1609.04534,
title = {Femtosecond laser direct-write waveplates based on stress-induced birefringence},
author = {Ben McMillen and Christos Athanasiou and Yves Bellouard},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1609.04534},
year = {2016}
}
Comments
14 pages, 8 figures Revised version, with updated title and abstract to reflect use of stress-induced birefringence. Sections 4.1 and 4.3 also updated (1D and 2D model) with more accurate descriptions of stressor region and to correct an implementation error in the 2D model