Adaptive ultrafast laser processing techniques for photonic and optical applications – AdPRO

Following the demand for functionalization of optical materials, laser-induced photoinscription opens up new perspectives for emerging photonic applications. The challenge is to design dielectric properties and add specific optical functions to compact, integrated optical devices. Nevertheless, the result of the laser action depends on the nature of the material, and the balance of electronic and structural transformations associated with refractive index change under light exposure defines the resultant optical conversion. Therefore, mastering the induced modifications requires extensive knowledge on the nature of light-generated matter transformation. We propose an advanced material structuring approach based on adaptive pulse spatio-temporal manipulation for optimizing ultrafast laser-induced processes inside transparent materials. The dynamic control over the energy delivery will lead to a significant upgrade in the quality of the laser-induced structures and will enable precise refractive index engineering. The technique allows to detect and influence dynamical processes on molecular and mesoscopic scale in a controllable and optimal manner towards user-defined outputs. This approach is aimed to extend the knowledge basis and to correlate irradiation conditions and material properties in a synergetic manner for optimal laser processing applications.