Spatially selected synthesis of LaF3 and Er-doped CaF2 crystals in oxyfluoride glasses by laser-induced crystallization

Oxyfluoride glasses with a small amount of NiO are prepared using a conventional melt quenching technique, and the spatially selected crystallization of LaF₃ and CaF₂ crystals is induced on the glass surface by irradiations of continuous wave lasers with a wavelength of λ=1064 or 1080 nm. Dots and lines including LaF₃ crystals are patterned by heat-assisted (300 °C) laser irradiations (λ=1064 nm) with a power of P=1 W and an irradiation time of 10 s for dots and a scanning speed of S=5 μm/s for lines. Lines consisting of CaF₂ crystals are also patterned in an ErF₃-doped oxyfluoride glass by laser irradiations (λ=1080 nm) with a power of P=1.7 W and a scanning speed of S=2 μm/s, and the incorporation of Er³⁺ ions into CaF₂ crystals is confirmed from micro-photoluminescence spectrum measurements. It is proposed that the lines patterned by laser irradiations in this study are consisted of the composite of LaF₃ or CaF₂ nanocrystals and SiO₂-based oxide glassy phase. It is demonstrated that a combination of Ni²⁺-dopings and laser irradiations is effective in spatially selected local crystallizations of fluorides in oxyfluoride glasses.