Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 February 2011
Optical and infrared reflection spectra for Bi-implanted high-purity silica are reported as a function of dose and 5eV laser irradiation. The extinction coefficient per ion and the reflectance spectra are dose dependent. Subsequent effects of laser irradiation are dependent upon Bi content and total number of laser pulses. Changes reported are attributed to two photothermal processes. One involving diffusion and desorption of Bi ions and annealing of defects, while the second is dominated by annealing.