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We reported on the femtosecond (fs) laser induced permanent refractive index changes, stress-induced birefringence, and micro-photoluminescence properties of Nd3+, Y3+ codoped CaF2 crystals. Permanent changes in the linear optical properties were studied for various pulse energies (0.01 - 5 µJ) at two different repetition rates (10 kHz and 500 kHz). Optimum quantitative phase changes are close to - 1.7π radians within an irradiated area, surrounded by positive phase changes due to the stress field that can reach + 0.7π. Provided that, we avoid heat-accumulation at 500 kHz, written laser lines offer higher linear birefringence on the order of λ/4 at 200 nm. From the spectroscopic point of view, we observed the Raman changes and micro-photoluminescence spectra of irradiated fs-laser Nd3+, Y3+ doped CaF2.

We have investigated that femtosecond laser induced optical waveguides in AF32 and in Borofloat-33 glasses. Type-I positive and type-II negative refractive index change mechanisms were established in AF32 and in Borofloat-33 glass waveguides, respectively. Lowest propagation loss of 1.1 ± 0.31 dB/cm could be attained in AF32 glass, which has a typically higher index change than in Borofloat-33 glass. Resultant losses are directly correlated with densification and non-bridging oxygen hole centers, which can be authenticated by Raman and photoluminescence studies.