Focal volume optics for composite structuring in transparent solids

Abstract Achieving high-level integration of composite micro-nano structures with different structural characteristics through a minimalist and universal process has long been the goal pursued by advanced manufacturing research but is rarely explored due to the absence of instructive mechanisms. Here, we revealed a controllable ultrafast laser-induced focal volume light field and experimentally succeeded in highly efficient one-step composite structuring in multiple transparent solids. A pair of spatially coupled twin periodic structures reflecting light distribution in the focal volume are simultaneously created and independently tuned by engineering ultrafast laser-matter interaction. We demonstrated that the generated composite micro-nano structures are applicable to multi-dimensional information integration, nonlinear diffractive elements, and multi-functional optical modulation. This work presents the experimental verification of highly universal all-optical fabrication of composite micro-nano structures with independent controllability in multiple degrees of freedom, expands the current cognition of ultrafast laser-based material modification in transparent solids, and establishes a new scientific aspect of strong-field optics, namely, focal volume optics for composite structuring transparent solids.