Luminescence properties of micrometric structures induced by direct laser writing in silver containing phosphate glass

Luminescent structures have been implemented by direct laser writing using high repetition rate femtosecond laser in a silver ion containing photosensitive glass. The optical and luminescence properties have been investigated and compared to those measured after irradiation by a nanosecond laser followed by a thermal treatment. Analogous signals were obtained, demonstrating that the femtosecond direct laser writing combines in one single operation both a photomodification of the silver oxidation states, and a strong local concentration of silver clusters thanks to the high repetition rate. The comparative study confirms the remarkable stability of the photo-induced species with respect to the temperature.