Photowritable Silver-Containing Phosphate Glass Ribbon Fibers

Tailored silver-containing zinc-phosphate glasses possess excellent thermoviscous ability and optical properties. Beyond they have proven to form a favorable matrix for the direct laser writing of photoluminescent and nonlinear patterns. Here, bringing together the merits of these materials with fiber optic technology, the first photosensitive, photowritable silver-containing glass ribbon fibers are reported. These novel devices are thermally scaled-down in a homothetic fashion from a macroscopic preform to produce tens-of-meters of continuous structure. It is demonstrated that luminescence properties of the native glass are preserved after the shaping process. Furthermore it is established that the unique fiber's flat geometry allows for the convenient, accurate laser writing of complex luminescent silver clusters patterns within the glass matrix. It is believed that the drawing of silver-containing zinc-phosphate glasses could lead to a decisive breakthrough in the field of photosensitive fibers. They would offer a promising platform for the design of highly efficient sensing devices based on amplified optical processes effects, for metamaterials or as fundamental bricks for photonics.