Microstructure of planar glass substrates modified by Laser Ablation Backwriting (LAB) of metal targets

Geometrically controlled, channel-like structures were prepared on commercial, soda-lime glass substrates, by a Laser Ablation Backwriting (LAB) process using a commercial Nd:YVO4 laser fitted with a beam steering galvanometer mirror unit. 70Cu30Zn Brass alloy, Ag and Al metal targets were evaporated onto glass substrates by simple irradiation through the same glass substrates. The resultant structures were characterized by SEM, TEM, and UV-vis-nIR spectroscopy. These revealed the presence of metal nanostructures in the case of brass and Ag targets, with their typical local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) bands. In contrast, Al was not found in its elemental form, but rather integrated into the glass substrate. These results were confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDS) studies, performed with TEM and SEM observation on representative, polished cross section samples. Preliminary light guiding studies demonstrated the potential to develop burried waveguides just below the surface of the glass substrates in all cases, suggesting that LAB may be a convenient method to prepare stable waveguides by modifying inexpensive, commercial window glass.