Optical waveguides in Sn(2)P(2)S(6) by low fluence MeV He+ ion implantation

Planar waveguides in nonlinear optical crystals of Sn(2)P(2)S(6) have been produced by He+ ion implantation. The effective indices of the waveguide have been determined and refractive index profiles have been evaluated for the indices along all three principal axes of the optical indicatrix. The depth of the induced optical barrier is n1 = -0.07, n2 = -0.07 and n3 = -0.09 at lambda = 0.633 microm for a fluence Phi = 0.5x10(15)ions/cm(2). Propagation losses for hybrid-n(1) modes are alpha approximately 10dB/cm.