Visualization of optical deflection and switching operations by a domain engineered-based LiNbO3 electro-optic device

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Electro-Optics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Lithium niobate (LiNbO3) is a key material in electro-optic applications.
• Existing devices often have limitations in wavelength range or availability of components like Pockels cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To build and test a novel electro-optic device for optical beam deflection and switching.
• To characterize the device's performance across multiple wavelength regions, including visible, telecom, and mid-infrared.
• To visualize the device's operation using an imaging camera for the first time.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a domain-engineered lithium niobate (LiNbO3) device.
• Characterization of optical beam deflection and switching at 632.8 nm (visible) and 1532 nm (telecom).
• Testing the device as an amplitude modulator at ~4.3 microm (mid-infrared).
• Visualization of device operation using an imaging camera.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of optical beam deflection and switching at visible and telecom wavelengths.
• Effective amplitude modulation achieved in the mid-infrared region (~4.3 microm).
• First-time visualization of electro-optic device operation via imaging camera.
• Device performance validated across a broad spectral range.

Conclusions:

• The domain-engineered LiNbO3 device is a versatile optical beam deflector, switch, and amplitude modulator.
• The device offers functionality in the mid-infrared where Pockels cells are typically unavailable.
• This work provides a comprehensive characterization and novel visualization of the electro-optic device's operation.