Micron size optically altered regions and nanocrystal formation in femtosecond laser processed CdSxSe1−x doped silicate glass

Femtosecond laser processing of a CdSxSe1−x doped borosilicate glass by a 1 kHz femtosecond laser with pulse energies up to 100 μJ gave rise to smooth altered micron-size regions within the glass. The fs-laser exposed glass formed nanocrystals when heat treated above the glass transition temperature. The fluorescence intensities in the non-resonant to resonant transition regimes indicated no differences in size or preference for formation of nanocrystals within the laser exposed regions.

► Lines “written” in CdSxSe1−x doped glass using a near IR fs-laser. ► The glass heat treated to precipitate the semiconductor quantum dots. ► Fluorescence used to investigate the quantum dot precipitation in the lines. ► fs-Laser irradiation showed no significant effect on precipitation dynamics.