Formation of channels containing lead sulfide quantum dots using continuous-wave laser for active planar waveguides in glasses

Abstract

PbS quantum dots (QDs) and channels containing QDs were fabricated by irradiation with a continuous-wave (cw) laser at λ = 532 nm. Channels with diameters of 36 ~52 μm were formed by scanning with the laser at 6-8 μm•s−1. Photoluminescence centered at λ = 1290 nm was recorded. Precipitation of PbS QDs inside glasses increased their refractive indices by as much as ~0.002. These channels are expected to provide active waveguides that operate in telecommunication windows once the diameters of PbS QDs can be controlled precisely.