Photosensitive Point Defects in Optical Glasses: Science and Applications Page: 4 of 33
This article is part of the collection entitled: Office of Scientific & Technical Information Technical Reports and was provided to UNT Digital Library by the UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
REI-10: Photosensive Point Defects in Optical Glasses...
Potter and Simmons-Potter
2 of 31
1. Introduction
The discovery of photoinduced, refractive index grating formation within the Ge-
doped core of a silica optical fiber by Hill et al. [1] in 1978 began an intense period of
research activity in the area of photosensitive defects in oxide glass. These research efforts
have culminated in both a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms responsible
for photosensitive (PS) effects and in the development of a wide array of in-fiber photonic
devices for telecommunications and remote sensing.
While photosensitivity can be, in a general sense, associated with any optical
modification of material electronic and/or atomic structure, resulting in changes in optical,
electronic or chemical behavior, the primary photosensitive effect of interest here is a
stable, photoinduced change in material refractive index. Given a photosensitive material,
appropriate control of optical exposure conditions can be used to form a wide range of
photonic devices (based on refractive index patterning) using only a single-step, direct-
write optical processing technique. This approach thus has the potential to provide a rapid,
agile, and relatively inexpensive method for the manufacture of integrated photonic
structures when contrasted with photolithographic technologies that typically require
multiple chemical processing steps. Moreover, the discovery of a photosensitive response
in the primary optical fiber material used in the optical telecommunications industry, Ge-
doped SiO2, has provided an important opportunity for the integration of optical devices
within an established fiber system. Indeed, the potential for applications within the
telecommunications and specialty fiber industries has been the primary motivating force
for research activities in germanosilicate-based photosensitivity since 1978.
The present paper will begin with a brief introduction to the area of germanosilicate
photosensitivity and its origins. We will focus particular attention on the impact ofI
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This article can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Article.
Potter, B.G. Jr. & Simmons-Potter, K. Photosensitive Point Defects in Optical Glasses: Science and Applications, article, July 28, 1999; Albuquerque, New Mexico. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc791569/m1/4/: accessed March 29, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.