Abstract

Both natural [1] and artificial [2] structures consisting of the particles with the size laying in the range of optical wavelengths are of interest since their optical properties can be controlled by choosing a suitable type, size and mutual disposition of these particles, when formed in solids. We present a novel approach to form such structures. This approach is based on a liquid-liquid phase separation of glasses resulting in the formation of glassy microspheres with a narrow size distribution and their index different from one of the glassy matrix into which they are embedded. The flexibility of glass compositions and the possibility to vary and to control the size and composition of those microspheres by thermal­temporal conditions make this approach a prospective one for the fonnation of photonic structures, e.g., microresonators.

© 2000 IEEE