Three-dimensional recording inside dielectrics for photonic applications

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) structuring of polymers by tightly focused femtosecond laser pulses and interference is demonstrated. Photo-structuring by the tightly focused sub-1 ps laser pulses realizes a direct laser writing inside dielectric materials without self-focusing. Photo-polymerization of 3D photonic crystal templates with photonic stop bands in IR-spoctral region has been achieved. Holographic photo-polymerization of photonic crystal templates with counter-propagating beams was numerically modeled. Three-dimensional structures with an axial period smaller than the lateral can be recorded using the counter-propagating beam alignment. Photopolymerization of large-area polymeric structures with a high surface-to-volume ratio is demonstrated.