Study of selected glasses with potential application in microoptics

Abstract

This thesis focuses on studying photoinduced effects on the surfaces of chalcogenide glasses (specifically Ge-As-S, Ge-Sb-S, and Ge-Sb-Se systems). Light illumination is primarily used to create single microlenses, microlines, and their periodic structures, all based on the photoexpansion effect, with potential applications in microoptics. To enable the controlled and reproducible formation of these microstructures, the research examines key factors influencing photoexpansion, such as illumination time, laser power density, chemical composition and related structure of the glasses. The formed microstructures are thoroughly characterized in terms of their suitability for optical applications, including their dimensions, linear refractive index, curvature radius, focal length, and beam-focusing capabilities. All microstructures were analyzed using EDX, Raman spectroscopy, AFM and/or nanoindentation techniques. Properties of the illuminated and non-illuminated regions are compared.