Abstract

Wavelength converters based on periodically poled LiNbO3 (PPLN) waveguides have attracted a lot of attention. To date, most PPLN waveguides have been fabricated using the annealed proton exchange (APE) method.¹ However, several issues remain. For example, an APE waveguide can confine only the TM mode so that two individual waveguides are required for polarization-independent operation.' An alternative method is Zn doping to LiNbG3, which is known to increase refractive index for the TE and TM mode.' In this paper, we report wavelength conversion using a periodically poled Zn:I.iNbO3 ridge waveguide that can confine both the TM and TE modes. We demonstrate polarization-independent wavelength conversion using polarization diversity in a single waveguide.

© 2002 Optical Society of America