Application of ion implantation to LiNbO3 integrated, optical spectrum analyzers

摘要

A method of improving the signal-to-noise ratio (dynamic range) in integrated optical spectrum analyzers. An integrated optical spectrum analyzer is formed with a lithium niobate (LiNbO3) substrate in its usual manner. Ions such as argon or hydrogen are implanted in the bottom and sides of the LiNbO3 which causes the substrate to absorb light at the wavelength of interest. The ion-implanted bottom and sides provide absorption with very little reflectivity and the amount of absorption is proportional to the effect of the ion and the time period of implantation. The bottom and sides behave as optical sinks, rather than as reflection or scattering centers.