Improvements of ion implanted waveguides in Nd:YAG and LiNbO3 using pulsed laser anneals

Pulsed laser annealing has been used to modify the surface and refractive index profiles of ion implanted waveguides formed in Nd:YAG and LiNbO(3) crystals. Major improvements are seen in the niobate guides where losses are reduced, better refractive index confinement occurs in the garnet. The improvements depend on laser pulse power and the number of pulses, since prolonged laser treatments can introduce Surface damage in the niobate, and/or emphasise the problems of surface instability on the garnet. The improvements in waveguide loss and surface quality are encouraging and optimisation of the laser conditions should enhance the waveguide performances. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.