Abstract
We experimentally realized an integrated temporal Fourier transformer based on a linearly-chirped Bragg grating waveguide written in silica glass with a femtosecond laser. The device operates in reflection and has a 10-nm bandwidth. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America

Abstract
Integrated optics is a mature technology with standard applications to telecommunications. Since the pioneering work of Berger et al. 1999 beam combiners for optical interferometry have been built using this technology. Classical integrated optics device production is very expensive and time consuming. The rapid production of devices using hybrid sol-gel materials in conjunction with UV laser direct writing techniques allows overcoming these limitations. In this paper this technology is tested for astronomical applications. We report on the design, fabrication and characterization of multiaxial two beam combiners and a coaxial beam combiner for astronomical interferometry. Different multiaxial two beam combiner designs were tested and high contrast (better than 90%) was obtained with a 1.3 mu m laser diode and with an SLID (lambda(0) = 1.26 mu m, FWHM of 60 nm). High contrast fringes were produced with 1.3 mu m laser diode using the coaxial two beam combiner. These results show that hybrid sol-gel techniques produce devices with high quality, allowing the rapid prototyping of new designs and concepts for astronomy.

Abstract
Integrated optics is a well established technology that finds its main applications in the fields of optical communication and sensing. However, it is expanding into new areas, and in the last decade application in astronomical interferometry has been explored. In particular, several examples have been demonstrated in the areas of beam control and combination. In this paper, different examples of application integrated optics devices for fabrication of beam combiners for astronomical interferometry is given. For the multiaxial beam combiners, a UV laser direct writing unit is used for mask fabrication. The operation principles of the coaxial combiners fabricated in hybrid sol-gel were validated using an interferometric set-up. These results demonstrate that hybrid sol-gel technology can produce quality devices, opening the possibility of rapid prototyping of new designs and concepts.

Abstract
Femtosecond laser fabrication of optical waveguides in bulk silica glass is extended to integrated optical waveplates. Polarization retardation was controlled by laser exposure, providing for trimming of waveguide birefringence between 10(-5) and 10(-4).

Abstract
High strength, first order Bragg Grating Waveguides are inscribed in the core and cladding of optical fibers using oil immersion femtosecond direct laser-writing. A laser-induced birefringence of 2.05x10(-4) was inferred from polarization split Bragg resonances.

Abstract
Definition of channel waveguides on hybrid sol-gel material was demonstrated using a 248 nm UV excimer laser. without mixing organic photoinitiators in the solution preparation step. Thin films fabricated by hydrolysis and polycondensation of methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MAPTMS) doped with zirconium oxide were deposited by spin-coating on soda-lime glass substrates (n=1.514). Channel waveguides were defined by microlithography and then covered by a protective layer composed of a combination of MAPTMS and tetramethoxysilane (TMOS). Finally, after cutting and polishing, the waveguides were optically characterised.