Researchers at Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR) have patented a new method for forming elements for controlling optical radiation, which can be used in the manufacture of integrated optical elements for photonics devices.
Currently, many devices, such as power dividers, filters, frequency converters, and light field modulators, are actively used for information processing in the optical range. These devices use waveguide and diffraction structures, which can be implemented based on electro-optical crystals, such as lithium niobate or potassium titanyl phosphate.
To form these structures, existing methods include diffusion processes, ion implantation, photolithography, and mechanical impact. However, TUSUR scientists have proposed an innovative method — laser-induced forward transfer, which can speed up the creation of waveguide and diffraction structures.
Despite the advantages of this approach, the laser-induced method faces certain difficulties. In particular, it is necessary to create an optical barrier to limit the propagation of light. However, scientists have found a solution by proposing a method for forming near-surface layers that allow creating the necessary structures in a planar design.
This method was tested on crystalline samples of lithium niobate doped with copper and iron and showed good results. The use of laser induction accelerates the process of structure formation and greatly simplifies technological implementation.
The method is of great importance for the development of the element base of integrated optical devices and can contribute to the creation of more efficient devices for processing optical information.
