134 research outputs found
Nonlinear increase, invisibility, and sign inversion of a localized fs-laser-induced refractive index change in crystals and glasses
Multiphoton absorption via ultrafast laser focusing is the only technology that allows a three-dimensional structural
modification of transparent materials. However, the magnitude of the refractive index change is rather limited,
preventing the technology from being a tool of choice for the manufacture of compact photonic integrated circuits.
We propose to address this issue by employing a femtosecond-laser-induced electronic band-gap shift (FLIBGS), which
has an exponential impact on the refractive index change for propagating wavelengths approaching the material
electronic resonance, as predicted by the Kramers–Kronig relations. Supported by theoretical calculations, based on a
modified Sellmeier equation, the Tauc law, and waveguide bend loss calculations, we experimentally show that several
applications could take advantage of this phenomenon. First, we demonstrate waveguide bends down to a
submillimeter radius, which is of great interest for higher-density integration of fs-laser-written quantum and photonic
circuits. We also demonstrate that the refractive index contrast can be switched from negative to positive, allowing
direct waveguide inscription in crystals. Finally, the effect of the FLIBGS can compensate for the fs-laser-induced
negative refractive index change, resulting in a zero refractive index change at specific wavelengths, paving the way
for new invisibility applications
Tunable distributed sensing performance in Ca-based nanoparticle-doped optical fibers
Rayleigh scattering enhanced nanoparticle-doped optical fibers is a technology very promising for distributed sensing applications, however, it remains largely unexplored. This work demonstrates for the first time the possibility of tuning Rayleigh scattering and optical losses in Ca-based nanoparticle-doped silica optical fibers by controlling the kinetics of the re-nucleation process that nanoparticles undergo during fiber drawing by controlling preform feed, drawing speed and temperature. A 3D study by SEM, FIB-SEM and optical backscatter reflectometry (OBR) reveals an early-time kinetics at 1870 °C, with tunable Rayleigh scattering enhancement 43.2–47.4 dB, regarding a long-haul single mode fiber, SMF-28, and associated sensing lengths of 3–5.5 m. At 2065 °C, kinetics is slower and nanoparticle dissolution is favored. Consequently, enhanced scattering values of 24.9–26.9 dB/m and sensing lengths of 135–250 m are attained. Finally, thermal stability above 500 °C and tunable distributed temperature sensitivity are proved, from 18.6 pm/°C to 23.9 pm/°C, ∼1.9–2.4 times larger than in a SMF-28. These results show the promising future of Rayleigh scattering enhanced nanoparticle-doped optical fibers for distributed sensing
SUPERMAT – A virtual center for sustainable development of advanced materials operating under extreme conditions
The expertise, main experimental facilities and some selected results of the EU SUPERMAT Consortium are described, showing the importance of integrating modelling and simulation, fast sintering and coating technologies and specific characterisation techniques for obtaining high temperature ceramics, oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels or Li-ion batteries with controlled properties for extreme environmental applications
Co-doped Dy3+ and Pr3+ Ga5Ge20Sb10S65 fibers for mid-infrared broad emission
Rare earth ion doped materials are means to obtain cost-effective infrared light sources, with enough brilliance for applications such as gas sensing. Within a sulfide matrix, the simultaneous luminescence of both Pr3+ and Dy3+ in the Ga5Ge20Sb10S65 glass is reported. The use of these two rare earths is giving rise to a broad continuous luminescence in the 2.2–5.5 µm wavelength range, which could be used as a mid-infrared light source for gas-sensing applications. The demonstration of CO2 and CH4 detection using a fiber drawn from these materials is reported
Development of ytterbium-doped oxyfluoride glasses for laser cooling applications
Oxyfluoride glasses doped with 2, 5, 8, 12, 16 and 20 mol% of ytterbium (Yb3+) ions have been prepared by the conventional melt-quenching technique. Their optical, thermal and thermo-mechanical properties were characterized. Luminescence intensity at 1020 nm under laser excitation at 920 nm decreases with increasing Yb3+ concentration, suggesting a decrease in the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). The PLQY of the samples was measured with an integrating sphere using an absolute method. The highest PLQY was found to be 0.99(11) for the 2 mol% Yb3+: glass and decreases with increasing Yb3+ concentration. The mean fluorescence wavelength and background absorption of the samples were also evaluated. Upconversion luminescence under 975 nm laser excitation was observed and attributed to the presence of Tm3+ and Er3+ ions which exist as impurity traces with YbF3 starting powder. Decay curves for the Yb3+: F-2(5/2)-> F-2(7/2) transition exhibit single exponential behavior for all the samples, although lifetime decrease was observed for the excited level of Yb3+ with increasing Yb3+ concentration. Also observed are an increase in the PLQY and a slight decrease in lifetime with increasing the pump power. Finally, the potential of these oxyfluoride glasses with high PLQY and low background absorption for laser cooling applications is discussed
White light and multicolor emission tuning in triply doped Yb3+/Tm3+/Er3+ novel fluoro-phosphate transparent glass-ceramics
New Yb3+, Er3+ and Tm3+ doped fluoro-phosphate glasses belonging to the system NaPO3-YF3-BaF2-CaF2 and containing up to 10 wt% of rare-earth ion fluorides were prepared and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, absorption spectroscopy and up-conversion emission spectroscopy under excitation with a 975 nm laser diode. Transparent and homogeneous glass-ceramics have been reproducibly obtained with a view to manage the red, green and blue emission bands and generate white light. X-ray diffraction as well as electron microscopy techniques have confirmed the formation of fluorite-type cubic nanocrystals at the beginning of the crystallization process while complex nanocrystalline phases are formed after a longer heat-treatment. The prepared glass-ceramics exhibit high optical transparency even after 170 h of thermal treatment. An improvement of up-conversion emission intensity - from 10 to 160 times larger - was measured in the glass-ceramics when compared to the parent glass, suggesting an important incorporation of the rare-earth ions into the crystalline phase(s). The involved mechanisms and lifetime were described in detail as a function of heat-treatment time. Finally, a large range of designable color rendering (from orange to turquoise through white) can be observed in these materials by controlling the laser excitation power and the crystallization rate.Canadian Excellence Research Chair program (CERC) on Enabling Photonic Innovations for Information and CommunicationFAPESPCNPqINCT - INOF/CePOFANR (CrystOG ANR-12-JS08-0002-01
Localized surface plasmon resonance interaction with 'Er POT.3+'-doped tellurite glass
We show the annealing effect on silver and Erbium- doped tellurite glasses in the formation of nanoparticles (NPs) of silver, produced by the reduction of silver (Ag+→Ag0), aiming to an fluorescence enhancement. The absorption spectra show typical Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) band of Ag0 NP in addition to the distinctive absorption peaks of Er3+ ions. Both observations demonstrate that the photoluminescence enhancement is due to the coupling of dipoles formed by NPs with the Er3+ 4I13/2→4I15/2 transition. This plasmon energy transfer to the Er3+ ions was observed in the fluorescence spectrum with a blue-shift of the peaks.FAPESPCNPqINO
Verres et vitrocéramiques à base de chalco-halogénures dopés par des ions de terres rares pour la luminescence dans le visible
The present work deals with the study of new chalco halide glass-ceramics doped with rare earth ions for visible luminescence. The effect of the addition of different alkali-halide into glasses belonging to the Ga2S3-GeS2 system has been studied with the aim to extend their transparency into the ultraviolet region. Glasses transparent over the visible range (400-750 nm) up to the mid infrared (11,5 μm) have been obtained in the Ga2S3-GeS2-CsCl system. Transparent and homogeneous glass-ceramics have been prepared from several base glasses varying the CsCl content in the Ga2S3-GeS2-CsCl system. Nanocrystals with homogeneous size and uniformly distributed in the amorphous matrix have been generated with reproducibility by appropriate heat-treatment. A structural study of the crystallization has been realized using X-ray diffraction and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance performed on the 71Ga and 133Cs nuclei. The nucleating agent character of gallium has been shown in the glassy matrix with the crystallization of the Ga2S3 phase. An improved mechanical behaviour has also been observed in the prepared composite materials. Rare-earth ion praseodymium Pr3+ and neodymium Nd3+) doped glass-ceramics have been synthesized in the Ga2S3-GeS2-CsCl system. The visible luminescence from r3+ and Nd3+ ions has been studied as a function of heat-treatment conditions. It appeared from experiments that Pr3+ ions are not incorporated into the crystals contrary to the Nd3+ ions from which an enhanced luminescence was observed, suggesting their partial integration into the crystalline phase. Finally, silver and Pr3+ doped glasses have been ynthesized in the Ga2S3-GeS2 system. Metallic silver nanoparticles were generated by heat-treatment at 370°C and characterized by transmission electronic microscopy. The influence of the NPs on the Pr3+ ions luminescence properties was studied by performing frequency up-conversion experiments. A large enhancement of the upconversion signal was observed in the presence of silver nanoparticles and attributed to the surface plasmonic resonance effect.Les travaux présentés dans ce manuscrit concernent l'étude de nouvelles vitrocéramiques transparentes à base de chalco-halogénures dopées par des ions de terres pour la luminescence dans le visible. L'addition de différents halogénures d'alcalins à des verres du système Ga2S3-GeS2 a été étudiée avec l'objectif d'étendre leur transparence vers l'ultraviolet. Des verres du système Ga2S3-GeS2-CsCl complètement transparents dans le visible (400-750 nm) jusqu'au moyen infrarouge (11,5 microns) ont été obtenus. Des vitrocéramiques transparentes et homogènes ont ensuite été préparées de manière contrôlée à partir de plusieurs verres à différentes teneurs en CsCl dans le système Ga2S3-GeS2-CsCl. Des nanocristallites de taille homogène et uniformément dispersées dans la matrice amorphe sont formées de manière eproductible par des traitements thermiques appropriés. Une étude d'un point de vue structural de la cristallisation a été réalisée par diffraction de rayons X et résonance magnétique nucléaire à l'état solide sur les noyaux 71Ga et 133Cs. Le rôle d'agent de nucléation du gallium a été mis en évidence dans cette matrice avec la cristallisation d'une phase Ga2S3. Un meilleur comportement mécanique a également été observé pour les matériaux composites préparés. Des vitrocéramiques dopées par des ions de terres rares (praséodyme Pr3+ et néodyme Nd3+) ont été synthétisées dans le système Ga2S3-GeS2-CsCl. L'évolution de la uminescence dans le visible des ions Pr3+ et Nd3+ a été étudiée en fonction des conditions de traitement thermique. Au vu des résultats obtenus, il semble que l'ion Pr3+ ne soit pas incorporé dans les cristallites. Une augmentation de la luminescence de l'ion Nd3+ a en revanche été constatée, suggérant une incorporation partielle de ces ions dans une phase cristalline. Enfin, des verres dopés par du praséodyme et de l'argent ont été préparés dans le système binaire Ga2S3-GeS2. Des nanoparticules d'argent métallique, formées par traitement thermique à 370°C, ont été observées par microscopie électronique en transmission. Une intensité exacerbée de l'émission à 490 nm par up-conversion de fréquence de l'ion Pr3+ a été observée en présence des nanoparticules d'argent et attribuée u phénomène de résonance plasmonique de surface (SPR)
Verres et vitrocéramiques à base de chalco: halogénures dopés par des ions de terres rares pour la luminescence dans le visible
Les travaux présentés dans ce manuscrit concernent l’étude de nouvelles vitrocéramiques transparentes à base de chalco-halogénures dopées par des ions de terres pour la luminescence dans le visible. L’addition de différents halogénures d’alcalins à des verres du système Ga2S3-GeS2 a été étudiée avec l’objectif d’étendre leur transparence vers l’ultraviolet. Des verres du système Ga2S3- GeS2-CsCl complètement transparents dans le visible (400-750 nm) jusqu’au moyen infrarouge (11,5 μm) ont été obtenus. Des vitrocéramiques transparentes et homogènes ont ensuite été préparées de manière contrôlée à partir de plusieurs verres à différentes teneurs en CsCl dans le système Ga2S3-GeS2-CsCl. Des nanocristallites de taille homogène et uniformément dispersées dans la matrice amorphe sont formées de manière reproductible par des traitements thermiques appropriés. Une étude d’un point de vue structural de la cristallisation a été réalisée par diffraction de rayons X et résonance magnétique nucléaire à l’état solide sur les noyaux 71Ga et 133Cs. Le rôle d’agent de nucléation du gallium a été mis en évidence dans cette matrice avec la cristallisation d’une phase Ga2S3. Un meilleur comportement mécanique a également été observé pour les matériaux composites préparés. Des vitrocéramiques dopées par des ions de terres rares (praséodyme Pr3+ et néodyme Nd3+) ont été synthétisées dans le système Ga2S3-GeS2-CsCl. L’évolution de la luminescence dans le visible des ions Pr3+ et Nd3+ a été étudiée en fonction des conditions de traitement thermique. Au vu des résultats obtenus, il semble que l’ion Pr3+ ne soit pas incorporé dans les cristallites. Une augmentation de la luminescence de l’ion Nd3+ a en revanche été constatée, suggérant une incorporation partielle de ces ions dans une phase cristalline... (Résumé complet accès électronique ci - dessous)Vitrocerâmicas transparentes baseadas em novas composições de calco-halogenetos dopadas com Ãons de terras raras foram produzidas com o objetivo de gerar luz no visÃvel. A adição de diferentes halogenetos alcalinos em vidros do sistema Ga2S3-GeS2 foi estudada com a finalidade de aumentar a sua janela de transparência no ultravioleta. Vidros no sistema Ga2S3- GeS2-CsCl totalmente transparentes no visÃvel (400-750 nm) até a região do infravermelho médio (11,5μm) foram obtidos. Vitrocerâmicas transparentes e homogêneas foram em seguida preparadas a partir de vidros variando a concentração de CsCl no sistema Ga2S3-GeS2-CsCl. As condições dos tratamentos térmicos (temperaturas e tempos) foram estabelecidas permitindo o controle dos processos de nucleação e crescimento dos cristalitos dentro da matriz vÃtrea. Nanocristalitos uniformemente distribuÃdos e com tamanho homogêneo foram obtidos e confirmados por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET). Estudos estruturais foram realizadas nas vitrocerâmicas utilizando-se as técnicas de difração de raios X e resonância magnetica nuclear do sólido do 133Cs e 71Ga. Foi evidenciado o papel do agente de nucleação do gálio neste material, com a cristalização da fase Ga2S3. Um aumento da resistência mecânica foi também observado nestes materiais em comparação aos vidros de base. Em seguida, vitrocerâmicas dopadas com Ãons de terras raras (praseodÃmio Pr3+ e neodÃmio Nd3+) foram sintetizadas no sistema Ga2S3-GeS2-CsCl. A luminescência dos Ãons Pr3+ e Nd3+ no visÃvel foi estudada em função dos tratamentos térmicos aplicados aos materiais. Foi observado que não houve a incorporação dos Ãons Pr3+na matriz. Por outro lado, um aumento da fluorescência do Ãon Nd3+ foi observado, sugerindo uma incorporação parcial destes Ãons dentro da fase cristalina...The present work deals with the study of new chalco-halide glass-ceramics doped with rare earth ions for visible luminescence. The effect of the addition of different alkali-halide into glasses belonging to the Ga2S3-GeS2 system has been studied with the aim to extend their transparency into the ultraviolet region. Glasses transparent over the visible range (400-750 nm) up to the mid infrared (11,5 μm) have been obtained in the Ga2S3-GeS2-CsCl system. Transparent and homogeneous glass-ceramics have been prepared from several base glasses varying the CsCl content in the Ga2S3-GeS2-CsCl system. Nanocrystals with homogeneous size and uniformly distributed in the amorphous matrix have been generated with reproducibility by appropriate heat-treatment. A structural study of the crystallization has been realized using X-ray diffraction and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance performed on the 71Ga and 133Cs nuclei. The nucleating agent character of gallium has been shown in the glassy matrix with the crystallization of the Ga2S3 phase. An improved mechanical behaviour has also been observed in the prepared composite materials. Rare-earth ion (praseodymium Pr3+ and neodymium Nd3+) doped glass-ceramics have been synthesized in the Ga2S3-GeS2-CsCl system. The visible luminescence from Pr3+ and Nd3+ ions has been studied as a function of heat-treatment conditions. It appeared from experiments that Pr3+ ions are not incorporated into the crystals contrary to the Nd3+ ions from which an enhanced luminescence was observed, suggesting their partial integration into the crystalline phase. Finally, silver and Pr3+ doped glasses have been synthesized in the Ga2S3-GeS2 system. Metallic silver nanoparticles were generated by heat-treatment at 370°C and characterized by transmission electronic microscopy. The influence of the NPs on the Pr3+ ions luminescence properties was studied by performing frequency... (Complete abstract click electronic access below
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