Optical Waveguide

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an optical waveguide device and a method for fabricating such a device in the field of mid-infrared photonics. The device comprises a fluoride glass substrate having localized concentrations of a chemical element at inscription points, with a waveguide inscribed along a defined path within the substrate. The waveguide is formed by directing focused ultrashort laser pulses into the substrate and scanning the pulses to induce migration and densification of the chemical element at the inscription points, resulting in a positive refractive index contrast. The fluoride glass substrate may include zirconium fluoride and modifiers such as barium fluoride, aluminium fluoride, and rare-earth elements to enable optical gain. The described technology further encompasses integrated photonic devices, including waveguide lasers comprising mirrors and gratings that define a lasing cavity for use in sensing, communication, and laser systems.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.