Mechanism of microlens formation in quantum dot glasses under continuous-wave laser irradiation

The exposure of glass, embedded with copper nanoparticles, to a focused con tinuous wave laser results in controllable formation of microlenses on the surface of the glass. The dependence of the shape and the size of the micro lenses on the exposure time and the laser power is discussed. The mechanism for heat and mass transfer under laser irradiation is proposed and is used to explain the relatively low powers required for the process, the shape o f the microlenses, and the kinetics of the lens shape evolution during expo sure. The fabrication of the microlenses of 2-50 mum in diameter is demonst rated (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.