Nonlinear optical waveguides in As2S3-Ag2S chalcogenide glass thin films

Chalcogenide glasses (ChGs) are promising materials for nonlinear optical applications due to their elevated third-order optical susceptibility. Nonetheless, oxidation and photorefractive effects make the characterization and processing of this class of materials an intricate process. Employing ultrashort laser pulses, we were able to investigate the optical nonlinearities of As2S3 thin films doped with Ag2S nanocrystals, as well as produce channel waveguides. The results showed that the nonlinear refractive indexes of these films are in the order of 2.3-5.2 x 10(-18) m(2)/W at wavelengths in the range of 775-1600 nm. Such film revealed to be proper for the development of nonlinear optical devices, since we have demonstrated the functionality of an 8.7 mm long waveguide for spectral broadening femtosecond IR pulses. (C) 2016 Optical Society of America