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Optical wave propagation in epitaxial Nd:Y2O3 planar waveguides
Wei Li1, Scott E Webster, Raveen Kumaran
1Advanced Materials and Process Engineering Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada. weili@phas.ubc.ca
Applied Optics
|February 2, 2010
Summary
Neodymium-doped yttrium oxide (Nd:Y2O3) optical waveguides show low propagation loss. Surface roughness significantly impacts optical loss in these thin films, a key factor for device performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optoelectronics
- Thin Film Technology
Background:
- Neodymium-doped yttrium oxide (Nd:Y2O3) is a promising material for optical applications.
- Understanding optical wave propagation in thin films is crucial for integrated optics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate optical wave propagation characteristics in Nd:Y2O3 films.
- To determine propagation loss, refractive index, and dispersion relations.
- To identify factors contributing to optical loss in these waveguides.
Main Methods:
- Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for film growth.
- Prism coupler method for optical measurements.
- Analysis using the Payne and Lacey model for scatter loss.
Main Results:
- Refractive index of Nd:Y2O3 at 632.8 nm is 1.909.
- Lowest measured propagation loss is 0.9 +/- 0.2 cm(-1) at 1046 nm.
- Surface roughness (6 nm RMS) is identified as a primary source of scatter loss.
Conclusions:
- Nd:Y2O3 films can function as effective planar waveguides.
- Minimizing surface roughness is critical for reducing propagation loss.
- Scatter loss from surface roughness dominates in these waveguide structures.
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