Ion implanted optical waveguides in nonlinear optical organic crystal

We report for the first time to our knowledge optical waveguiding in an organic crystalline waveguide produced by ion implantation. Using H+ ions a refractive index barrier suitable for waveguiding has been realized in the highly nonlinear optical organic crystal 4-N, N-dimethylamino-4'-N'-methyl-stilbazolium tosylate (DAST). The refractive index changes in the waveguiding region as a function of the distance from the surface have been measured. Maximal refractive index changes of up to -0.2 and -0.1 at wavelengths of 633nm and 810nm have been realized, respectively. The waveguide refractive index profiles as a function of the ion fluence have been determined. Planar waveguiding has been demonstrated by polishing sharp edges and using conventional end-fire coupling. The measured losses are approximately 7 dB/cm at 1.57mum.