BRIEF COMMUNICATIONS: Optical waveguides formed by ion irradiation of fused quartz
A report is given of the properties and parameters of waveguides formed by irradiation of fused quartz with H2+, He+, Ar+, and Xe+ ions of energies up to 3 MeV and doses up to 5×1016 cm–2. The lowest losses (~3 dB/cm) are reported for waveguides prepared by irradiation with Xe+ ions; subsequent annealing (up to 500°C) can reduce these losses to 0.3 dB/cm. The implantation of H2+ is not recommended because waveguides prepared in this way exhibit spontaneous annealing.