Abstract

Realization of optical signal processing and computing functions in a waveguide substrate has long been considered as one of the major applications of integrated optics. A variety of active guided-wave devices that have been developed recently are being suggested for this purpose^(1-3). For example, the planar waveguide AO Bragg cells in LiNbO₃⁽¹⁾ are now widely used in the development of integrated optic modules for spectral analysis⁽⁴⁾ and correlation⁽⁵⁾ of wideband RF signals. Spherical waveguide AO Bragg cells in LiNbO₃ are also being explored⁽⁶⁾. In this paper, we report on the first successful experimentation of AO Bragg diffraction in a LiNbO₃ channel-planar composite waveguide. Efficient and wideband Bragg diffraction has been achieved using the SAW centering at 500 MHz and the optical wavelength at 6328 Å. By incorporating a channel-waveguide array, a planar waveguide, a microlens array, an AO Bragg cell, and an integrating lens in the same substrate as shown in Figure 1, we have realized a compact integrated optic module which can potentially perform a variety of optical computing functions.

© 1985 Optical Society of America