Abstract

The non-linear optical properties of a high density semiconductor-doped glass has been investigated and compared to those of commercially available colour filters [1,2], We also identify in this glass the onset of competing higher order nonlinear processes, such as six wave mixing. The optical characteristics of all such materials are determined by the microcrystals embedded in the glass matrix. The linear and non-linear optical constants of the material can thus be controlled by the proper choice and concentration of the semiconductor dopants, and the size of the microcrystals. Therefore the synthesis of glasses with high concentration of semiconductor microcrystals is important, since this is expected to produce higher optical nonlinearities. The semiconductor concentration is limited by its solubility in the glass. By using a fluorine-phosphate glass matrix [3] we are able to increase this concentration over that of silicate glass colour filters, by more than an order of magnitude.

© 1996 Optical Society of America