Waveguiding epitaxial LiNbO{HD 3 {B films

摘要

A process is described for making optical circuits on LiTaO3 substrates. The process involves putting down an epitaxial layer of LiNbO3 on the LiTaO3 substrates. Growth is preferably carried out on certain planes of the LiTaO3. These optical circuits are unique in that they are smooth, uniform in thickness and have a refractive index significantly larger than that of the substrate. This is advantageous in optical circuitry, since the optical modes in the circuits are quite distinct and can be coupled separately using such light sources as lasers and light emitting diodes.