Electron-Beam Poling on Ti:LiNbO(3)

The periodic domain inversion by direct electron-beam (EB) bombardment on Ti:LiNbO(3) is presented. Gratings with a 6.6-mum period are achieved. The inverted patterns are observed after chemical etching by use of a scanning electron microscope, and they exhibit a high resolution, as expected. Next, the influence of the EB parameters on the inversion phenomenon is developed for both LiNbO(3) and Ti:LiNbO(3). In this way we can provide an explanation of the phenomenon of domain inversion with an EB, which is not completely understood. Finally, quasi-phase-matched second-harmonic generation is presented in bulk LiNbO(3) by use of a Nd:YAG laser light. These experiments allowed us to achieve the characteristics of the inverted domains along the crystal in particular.