Channel wAveguides in ion-exchanged pyrex by direct UV writing

Sheridan, A.K. and Gawith, C. and Emmerson, G. and Milton, J. and Smith, P. and Wilkinson, J.S. (2004) Channel wAveguides in ion-exchanged pyrex by direct UV writing. Optics Communications, 242 (1-3). pp. 109-114. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optcom.2004.08.014)

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Abstract

In this paper, we show that UV irradiation can induce a significant refractive index change in Pyrex, a commercial oxide glass which does not contain the most common photosensitiser, germanium. We describe the fabrication of channel waveguides in potassium-ion exchanged Pyrex by UV writing and find the maximum UV-induced change in refractive index to be 1 × 10−3. UV-induced changes in the absorption spectrum are reported and attributed to the formation of defects from iron impurities inherent in the glass. A colour-centre-related model for the observed refractive index change is proposed.