Optimization of photorefractive LiNbO3 waveguides fabricated by combined techniques of ion exchange and implantation

Abstract Photorefractive waveguides (PRWs) are fabricated by helium implantation in LiNbO 3 doped via proton-assisted copper exchange. Fabrication conditions have been optimized to reach high diffraction efficiency of photorefractive holographic gratings. Fanning of the guided light is found to be a key factor limiting holographic recording performance in our newly developed waveguides.