Light-induced self-inscription (LISI) in nanocomposite network glasses

Photoresponsive nanocomposite organically modified silica films were prepared by solution sol-gel processing of organo-silicon alkoxide compounds. Waveguiding at 488 and 514.5 nm proceeded with simultaneous self-inscription and self-focusing. Light Induced self inscribed (LISI) waveguides were revealed by wet etching. Under certain conditions, self-inscription exhibited optical beating or became chaotic, and filamentation was observed. Composite waveguides of nanoplasmonic particles and rare earth doped nanoparticles were written by LISI.