The use of a new thallium-ion (Tl^( )) source for glass optical power splitter fabrication based on a NaNO_(3^(-)) Tl_(2)SO_(4) mixture is proposed and demonstrated. Planar optical power splitters were made using glassessuch as K_(6), K_(8), K_(9). The optical quality of the devices prepared compares favorably with the qualityobtained using other fabrication techniques (such as dry etching) and the processing time is considerablyreduced.