Creation of ferroelectric, single-crystal architecture in Sm _0.5La_0.5BGeO₅ glass

Using a novel, selective heating by Nd:YAG laser, a single-crystal architecture is created in a model glass system, Sm_0.5La _0.5BGeO₅, which devitrifies congruently into a ferroelectric phase of the same composition as the parent glass. The Sm ³⁺ ions in glass absorb the light and heat the matrix locally resulting in devitrification. Initially, a polycrystalline spot is formed. However, with optimum laser power, scanning speed, and the depth of focus, one of the grains acts as the seed for further growth as a single crystal. By programming the relative displacement of the glass with respect to laser spot, desired single ferroelectric crystal architecture is created. The optical functionalities (guiding of light and second harmonic generation) of the architectures are shown, which demonstrate the viability of this method for constructing active elements in optical integrated circuits. The single-crystal nature of the architecture is confirmed from the electron backscattered diffraction results.