Integrated optic resonant structres and fabrication method

摘要

Integrated optic resonant structures for use in optical communications and sensing applications requiring control or detection of electromagnetic radiation in the optical region of the spectrum. Preferably of planar form, the structures comprise a substrate made of a ferroelectric crystalline material in which there is formed by selectively exchanging protons for an ionic constituent of the substrate at least one optically continuous waveguiding region having predetermined resonant characteristics. At least one other waveguiding region is similarly formed in the substrate to optically couple with the resonant region and includes at least one port by which radiation can be coupled in and out of the substrate. The substrate material is preferably lithium niobate (LiNbO3) or lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) in which lithium ions are selectively exchanged for protons supplied by diffusion from a hydrogen rich acid. Applications for the structures include use as a band pass or reject filter, bus tap, sensor, or modulator.