High optical power capabilities of Ti-diffused LiTaO3 waveguide modulator structures

Abstract

Studies of high optical power density propagation in Ti-diffused LiTaO3 waveguides are described. Optical damage at room temperature involving ’’blow-out’’ of the central output spot into the m line and clean-up phenomena have been observed. Studies at elevated temperature (≈150 °C) indicate that self-annealing of the damage allows these structures to sustain optical power densities up to 11 kW/cm2 at 5145 Å without damage and power saturation. Use of high-purity LiTaO3 is required if room-temperature operation at these high optical power densities is to be achieved.