On the femtosecond laser-induced photochemistry in silver-containing oxide glasses: mechanisms, related optical and physico-chemical properties, and technological applications

Abstract

Abstract Laser-induced glass processing has led to huge progress and applications over the last two decades. Here, we review recent advances in femtosecond laser-induced photochemistry in isotropic transparent oxide glasses specifically tailored with silver photoactive agents. The understanding of the influence of the considered glass matrix on the nature and properties of the created silver species is of prime importance. After presenting the key material properties, the formation mechanisms of laser-induced silver-based species are discussed, and potential technological applications are highlighted. Laser-induced processing of silver-containing oxide glasses paved the way for the fabrication of complex integrated waveguides and optical circuits with innovative fluorescent, nonlinear optical, and plasmonic properties. The universality of the method is expected to extend in any glass material that shows a similar laser-induced behavior in terms of silver cluster production.