Polarization control method for ultraviolet writing of advanced Bragg gratings

Abstract

We present a flexible and simple method for UV writing of Bragg gratings with advanced apodization profiles including discrete phase shifts. The method is based on a $\pi$ phase shift between the refractive-index modulation profiles induced by $s$ and $p$ polarization of UV light. By changing the ratio of UV intensity in the two polarizations we are able to control the modulation strength and to induce phase shifts while keeping a constant effective refractive index throughout the Bragg grating. We demonstrate strong UV-written Bragg gratings with Gaussian or sinc apodizations with spectral shapes, in good agreement with theoretical predictions.