Glass-Based Sub-Wavelength Photonic Structures
Résumé
Fabrication of confined structures, where light can be confined in nano or micro scale region is a fantastic challenge for nano-science based technologies. Manufacture of such structures has become possible due to the opportunity delivered by nanotechnology, which opens the way to the study of new functional artificial materials and plasmonic structures, promises progress in devices miniaturization, and allows exploration of new aspects of light-matter interaction. The goal to face Sub-Wavelength Photonic Structures is to increase knowledge about the basic mechanisms of the interaction of light with matter on a sub-wavelength scale. The exploitation of their unique properties covers a range of applications possibilities and system performance that are not solely ICT oriented but also concern Lighting; Laser, Sensing, Energy, Environment, and Health. Here we will discuss about glass-derived novel nano and micrometer scale range structures such as microcavities, microresonators, transparent glass-ceramic waveguides, and photonic crystals mainly fabricated by sol-gel and rf-sputtering techniques. Attention will be focused on the structural and spectroscopic properties of such systems that, when activated by rare earth ions, represents the cornerstone in a wide number of technological applications such as integrated optical amplifiers, sensors, laser systems, and solar energy converters.