Void generation and three-dimensional photonic crystal fabrication in a lithium niobate crystal by use of micro-explosion

Abstract

Ultrafast laser induced micro-explosion is observed in a high refractive index Fe:LiNbO3 crystal by use of a femtosecond oscillator as a laser source. Due to the strong spherical aberration effect caused by the large refractive index mismatch between the crystal and immersion oil, the void dots take the shape of tadpoles, dumbbells or excalmatory marks. By using a threshold fabrication method, semi-spherical voids are fabricated. The potential applications in three-dimensional (3D) read-only optical data storage and 3D photonic crystal fabrication have been demonstrated.Ultrafast laser induced micro-explosion is observed in a high refractive index Fe:LiNbO3 crystal by use of a femtosecond oscillator as a laser source. Due to the strong spherical aberration effect caused by the large refractive index mismatch between the crystal and immersion oil, the void dots take the shape of tadpoles, dumbbells or excalmatory marks. By using a threshold fabrication method, semi-spherical voids are fabricated. The potential applications in three-dimensional (3D) read-only optical data storage and 3D photonic crystal fabrication have been demonstrated.