Advanced lasers for photonic device microfabrication

Today’s internet-focused communication industry is driving a powerful transition from slower electronic systems to high-speed all-optical systems. A central effort is the miniaturization and integration of photonic devices into highly functional optical circuits. New processing and packaging technologies are now required that can precisely shape and assemble optical components to sub-wavelength accuracy – an area that laser microfabrication technology can potentially serve. However, applications are restricted only to lasers providing strong interacts with transparent optical materials. Our groups are exploring two extremes in laser technology – ultrafast lasers and short-wavelength F2 lasers – to microsculpt optical surfaces and to profile refractive-index structures inside transparent glasses. This report offers head-to-head comparisons of photosensitivity responses (refractive index change), spatial resolution, and processing windows for the deep-ultraviolet and ultrafast lasers, and discusses prospects for laser printing and trimming of optical waveguide components and circuits.