Fluorescence-Quenching Free Channel Waveguides in Yb:YAG Ceramics by Carbon Ion Implantation

We report on the fabrication of channel waveguides in ytterbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Yb:YAG) ceramics by carbon ion implantation. Confocal microfluorescence experiments revealed that the fluorescence efficiency of Yb ions is well preserved in the waveguide area, contrary to the case of helium ion-implanted waveguides characterized by a severe ion implantation-induced fluorescence quenching at waveguide's volume. The fluorescence images of the channel waveguides, and its comparison to those obtained from femtosecond direct laser written Yb:YAG waveguides, have been used to elucidate the waveguide formation mechanisms.