G.D. Emmerson

High conversion efficiency single-pass second harmonic generation in a zinc-diffused periodically poled lithium niobate waveguide

We report a modified technique for the fabrication of zinc-diffused channel waveguides using z-cut electric-field periodically poled LiNbO3. Unlike previous work, the diffusion was carried out using metallic zinc at atmospheric pressure. By optimizing the thermal diffusion parameters, channel waveguides that preserve the existing periodically poled domain structures, support both TE and TM modes, and enhance photorefractive damage resistance were obtained. Nonlinear characterisation of the channel waveguides was investigated via second harmonic generation of a 1552nm laser with a maximum conversion efficiency of 59%W-1cm-2 at 14.6 masculineC. Using a pulsed source a second harmonic conversion efficiency of 81% was achieved.

Planar Bragg Grating Sensors—Fabrication and Applications: A Review

We discuss the background and technology of planar Bragg grating sensors, reviewing their development and describing the latest developments. The physical operating principles are discussed, relating device operation to user requirements. Recent performance of such devices includes a planar Bragg grating sensor design which allows refractive index resolution of 1.9×10−6 RIU and temperature resolution of 0.03∘C. This sensor design is incorporated into industrialised applications allowing the sensor to be used for real time sensing in intrinsically safe, high-pressure pipelines, or for insertion probe applications such as fermentation. Initial data demonstrating the ability to identify solvents and monitor long term industrial processes is presented. A brief review of the technology used to fabricate the sensors is given along with examples of the flexibility afforded by the technique.

Single-mode direct-ultraviolet-written channel waveguide laser in neodymium-doped silica on silicon

A waveguide laser with a neodymium-doped silica core is fabricated on a silicon substrate by a combination of flame hydrolysis deposition, solution doping, and direct UV writing. The neodymium-ion concentration is estimated to be approximately 8000 parts in 10(5). The propagation loss around 1.05 microns is < 0.8 dB/cm. Lasing in the range 1048-1056 nm and 1356 +/- 1 nm is observed. A slope efficiency of 33% for a high-reflectivity output coupler and a threshold of 4 mW of absorbed power for a 25% output coupler are measured for the 4F3/2-->4I11/2 transition.

Demonstration of 100 GHz electrically tunable liquid-crystal Bragg gratings for application in dynamic optical networks

We demonstrate liquid-crystal-based integrated optical devices with >140 GHz electrical tuning for potential applications in dynamic optical networks. Bragg wavelength tuning covering five 25 GHz wavelength-division multiplexing channel spacing has been achieved with 170 V (peak-to-peak) sinusoidal voltages applied across electropatterned indium tin oxide-covered glass electrodes placed 60 microm apart. This tunability range was limited only by the initial grating strength and supply voltage level. We also observed two distinct threshold behaviors that manifest during increase of supply voltage, resulting in a hysteresis in the tuning curve for both TE and TM input light.

Design and demonstration of direct UV-written small angle X couplers in silica-on-silicon for broadband operation

Experimental demonstration of small angle (0.8 degrees-5 degrees ) direct UV-written X couplers in silica-on-silicon is presented. Maximum and minimum coupling ratios of 95%(+/-0.8%) and 1.9% (+/-1%), respectively, were recorded. The structures also display very low polarization and wavelength dependence. A typical excess loss of 1.0 dB(+/-0.5 dB) was recorded. Device modeling using the beam propagation method and an analytical model showed good agreement with experimental results over a broad crossing angle and wavelength range.

Physical observation of single step UV-written integrated planar Bragg structures and their application as a refractive-index sensor

We present what is to our knowledge the first demonstration of a potentially low-cost refractive-index sensor based on UV processing. A channel waveguide and a Bragg grating are defined in a single UV processing step, resulting in a buried structure with a well-defined grating period. A subsequent wet etch process located over the Bragg grating opens a sensing window in the device and reveals the grating structure. Sensitivity of as much as 5 x 10(-6) was inferred from our device.

25 GHz tunability of planar Bragg grating using liquid crystal cladding and electric field

Application of a liquid crystal over a UV written planar silica waveguide provides the first electrically tunable, first order reflective Bragg grating using liquid crystals. 25 GHz tunability is achieved with a 25 Volt applied field.

Assessment of waveguide thermal response by interrogation of UV written planar gratings

The technique of direct grating writing, based on direct ultraviolet writing, is demonstrated as a tool for highly accurate measurement of waveguide and material properties. Silica-on-silicon planar samples are processed using hydrogen loading and thermal locking before Bragg channel waveguides are defined in the photosensitive core layer. The refractive index is accurately probed to compare different thermal locking procedures and characterize waveguide thermal stability.

Optical differential pressure transducer using planar Bragg gratings in an etched membrane

The demand for photonic pressure sensors is on the increase, driven by the needs of the oil and gas industry, as well as homeland security [1]. The main advantage of such optical devices is that they can operate in strong magnetic fields and environments that require electromagnetic immunity.

Novel optical sensors for detection of toxins, viruses, and bacteria

A novel optical sensor system for rapid, sensitive and robust biological detection is presented. Sensor elements based on integrated optical circuits confine all optical signals into a planar format, resulting in a small, low-cost and mechanically stable refractive index sensor, without any external bulk optics. Consequently, the sensor elements are able to operate in real-world environments, resilient to vibration and temperature changes, whilst maintaining refractive index resolution of 10-6. Oxide surfaces on the sensor are ideal for protein attachment and have a long lifetime in buffer solutions (>100hrs). Real-time, label-free detection of biological agents has been demonstrated using antibodies attached to the sensor surface. The sensor design results in a large penetration depth of the sensing light, up to 1μm into the sample liquid, conferring the ability to detect various classes of biological targets, spanning toxins, viruses and bacteria. Each sensing element utilizes parallel multiple wavelength data to provide additional information at the point of measurement, resulting in on-chip temperature and strain referencing, focused towards increased accuracy and reduction of false alarms. The large size range of biological detection, coupled with the long lifetime of the sensors makes the system ideally suited to applications ranging from medical diagnostics to confirmatory detectors for homeland security