PRODUCTION OF OPTICAL ELEMENT

摘要

PURPOSE:To improve the conversion efficiency of an optical wavelength conversion element by providing a protective mask to an X plate consisting of LiNbxTa1-xO3 (0<=x<=1) and subjecting the same to a proton exchange with an acid essentially consisting of stearic acid, thereby forming a light guide. CONSTITUTION:The protective mask 4 formed by a photoprocess is provided on the LiNbxTa1-xO3 substrate 1 consisting of the X plate cut out perpendicularly to the X-axis and subjecting the substrate to the proton exchange by using the acid essentially consisting of stearic acid. The width of the protective mask is preferably <=1.9mum. A high-refractive index layer 2 to serve as the light guide is thereby provided rightunder a slit 5. The X plate is thus used for the substrate 1 and the light guide is formed thereon by executing the proton exchange using the stearic acid 6, by which the transverse spread is prevented and the confinement of light is improved. The optical wavelength conversion element having high efficiency is thus produced. The process is thereby simplified and the controllability and productivity are improved.