Abstract

Photonic device fabrication using nonlinear material processing with near-IR femtosecond pulses can generate localized, clean, three-dimensional (3D) structures in many materials [1-3]. Recently, fabrication of glass waveguides using pulses directly from femtosecond lasers oscillators, without the need for amplification, has been reported [4-6]. Unamplified laser oscillators have several advantages over amplified systems for device fabrication including lower cost and complexity as well as greater control of exposure parameters. Because of their high repetition rates, multiple low intensity shots interact within the focal volume, leading to well controlled cumulative effects. Several photonic devices have been demonstrated including single-mode waveguides [5], X-couplers [6], and directional couplers [4]. Our group has developed a high-power femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser oscillator using a novel long cavity design [7]. Because of its high pulse energies and high repetition rate, this laser enables the versatile fabrication of a wide range of photonic devices.

© 2002 Optical Society of America