Recent Progress In Lithium Niobate Integrated Optics Technology Under A Collaborative Joint Opto-Electronics Research Scheme (JOERS) Programme

Abstract

In January 1984, a United Kingdom Joint Opto-Electronics Research Scheme (JOERS) on LiNbO3 technology for integrated optics commenced. This 65 man-year programme, which ended in April 1987, was undertaken jointly by four industrial companies and four universities, representing almost all of the LiNbO3 integrated optics expertise in the U.K. at that time. The aim of the programme was twofold: to develop high quality LiNbO3 wafers for integrated optics applications through close collaboration between the material manufacturers and the material users and to establish a strong technology base in device design and fabrication. This paper outlines some of the main achievements of the programme. Topics covered include work on LiNbO3 material optimisation, waveguide fabrication technology (Ti-indiffused, proton-exchanged, and ion-implanted waveguides), and waveguide interconnection technology (low loss curves, modal profile variation), and fibre-guide coupling.