Photionics

Ion irradiation of optical materials: Basic study and Potential Applications

The general research line developed since 2003 is based on the Irradiation of materials with high energy heavy ions for potential Photonic Applications. We study and use the effects and transformations induced in materials by the high level of electronic excitation and/or nuclear damage generated by this type of ions (range of energy: 1-50 MeV).

The ion excitation/processing capability is tunable in intensity and spatial distribution. It allows to create from isolated damaged nanotracks to homogeneous damaged layers of micrometer thickness. This singular physics and methodology allow the efficient fabrication of several useful nano and micro structures in many relevant optical materials: from nanopores, nanoparticle deformation to novel optical waveguides.

The study of defects and structural changes induced in optical materials is of interest to several collaborators: for Fusion Energy material research (collaboration with LNF, CIEMAT) and for optics for Space applications, particularly for improved performance in the Far UV spectral regime (100 – 200 nm).