Abstract

The ability to make sharp low-loss bends in single-mode waveguides is required for many proposed integrated optical circuits. Waveguide bending losses have been studied both theoreticaliy^1-3 and experimentally^4-7; however, the experimental structures have had high attenuation. We report here measurements at 0.633 and 1.08 μm on bends in single-mode Ti-diffused LiNbO₃ channel waveguides which utilize a coherent coupling effect, originally proposed by Taylor,^2,3 reduce greatly the bending losses. Measured losses as low as 1.0 dB for 6° bends and 6 dB/cm for bends with an effective radius of curvature of 1 cm have been achieved.

© 1981 Optical Society of America