Abstract

Permanent refractive-index gratings in wave- guide devices are of considerable interest for optical communication systems that make use of the high spectral selectivity of holographic filters, e.g., dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) or narrow-bandwidth mirrors for integrated waveguide lasers in LiNbO₃. Other possible applications include grating couplers and optical sensors. In this contribution we investigate such holographic wavelength filters in Fe- and Cu-doped LiNbO₃, channel waveguides.¹ LiNbO₃:Fe and LiNbO₃: Cu crystals are sensitive to light in the visible green or blue wavelength region, but show only little effects in the red or near infrared spectral region. Especially in the 1.3 μm and 1.55 μm wavelength hand of optical communications no photorefractive effects have been observed for common continuous wave intensities.

© 2002 Optical Society of America