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Neutron and gamma radiation effects in proton exchanged optical waveguides
Optics Express
|May 20, 2009
Summary
Neutron and gamma ray irradiation impacts optical properties of proton-exchanged lithium niobate waveguides. Damage thresholds differ based on the proton source used during fabrication.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optoelectronics
- Nuclear Engineering
Background:
- Proton-exchanged Z-cut lithium niobate (LiNbO3) waveguides are crucial for integrated optics.
- Understanding radiation effects is vital for their use in harsh environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of neutron and gamma ray irradiation on optical properties.
- To determine the damage thresholds of these waveguides.
- To compare the effects based on the proton source (pure vs. diluted).
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of proton-exchanged Z-cut LiNbO3 optical planar waveguides.
- Exposure to neutron and gamma ray irradiations.
- Optical characterization to assess waveguide performance and damage.
- Determination of damage thresholds.
Main Results:
- Irradiation with neutrons and gamma rays alters the optical properties of the waveguides.
- The damage thresholds were successfully determined.
- Differences in damage thresholds were observed between waveguides fabricated using pure and diluted proton sources.
Conclusions:
- Neutron and gamma ray irradiations degrade the performance of proton-exchanged LiNbO3 waveguides.
- The choice of proton source during fabrication influences the radiation resistance.
- These findings are important for designing radiation-hardened optical devices.
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