Abstract

We have fabricated waveguides structures in a 1% doped Cr:LiSAF crystal sample by using femtosecond laser micromachining with energies from 1 to 3 μJ per pulse and with scanning speed from 15 to 45 μm/s, and also we characterized the optical wave guiding performance using and “end-fire” coupling system. We found good wave guiding qualities for both, TM and TE polarization modes for 2 and 3 μJ as well as acceptable losses according to expecting values in view of technological applications. By other side, a high resolution μ-luminescence spatial mapping of the cross-section waveguides was performed, corresponding to the Cr⁺³ ion ⁴T₂ → ⁴A₂ transition, in order to investigate in a thorough way the induced stress that leads to refractive index variation. A complete summarizes of influence of micromachining parameters on both optical guiding and spectroscopic emission is reported.

© 2015 Optical Society of America