Ultrafast modification of elements distribution and local luminescence properties in glass

The success in construction of three-dimensional micro optical components or devices inside transparent materials is highly dependent on the ability to modify materials’ local structure. Especially, the realization of space-selective manipulation of element distribution is highly desirable since most of optical parameters such as refractive index and luminescence are closely related to element distribution. Up to present, the only way to control selective element distribution is local melting of glass. Here, we reported, for the first time to our knowledge, the success in realization of space-selective manipulation of element distribution in glassy state region (i.e., un-melted region) inside glass with the irradiation of high repetition rate femtosecond laser. Confocal fluorescence spectra and micro-Raman spectra show that the luminescence distribution of Cu+ ions and the glass network structure can be controlled with femtosecond laser irradiation, revealing the potential applications of this technique in the fabrication of functional waveguides and integrated optical devices.

► Elements redistribution was observed after high repetition rate femtosecond laser irradiation.
► The diameters of the induced elements enriched ring shaped regions have been proved to be depending on the activation energy.
► Element diffusion in the solid state materials (i.e., un-melted glass sample) was observed for the first time.
► The intensity of Cu+ luminescence can be controlled around the femtosecond laser irradiated area.