Mid-wave infrared planar optical device via femtosecond laser ablation on a sulfur-based polymeric glass surface

Sulfur-based polymer materials are attractive for infrared (IR) applications, as they exhibit profoundly high IR transparency, low temperature processability, and higher refractive index relative to conventional organic polymers. In this paper, the laser induced surface damage threshold of such sulfur-based polymeric glass is experimentally studied with femtosecond laser pulse exposure. The single- and multi-shot laser damage thresholds are determined as 41.1 mJ/cm² and 32.4 mJ/cm², respectively, and line width of laser scanning is proved to be controllable by laser energy implantation dose. The results enrich the technical knowledge of such novel optical material, and predict its processability by laser surface inscription. While, the amplitude-type binary planar devices based on femtosecond laser ablation are fabricated, and their imaging abilities are performed both in visible light and mid-wave IR regions.