Helium-Implanted Optical Planar Waveguides in Nd³⁺-Doped Phosphate Glass

We report the fabrication of planar waveguides in Nd³⁺-doped phosphate glass by helium ion implantation. The guiding properties of the waveguide are evaluated by a prism coupler and end-face coupling methods. The refractive index profile of the waveguide is reconstructed by using the intensity calculation method. Absorption and fluorescence investigations reveal that helium ion implantation causes only slight changes in the optical properties, suggesting the possible application of the fabricated structures as waveguide lasers.