Input–output optical couplers for ion-exchanged planar waveguides based on volume Bragg gratings in photo-thermo-refractive glass

Popova V.A., Nikonorov, N.V., Alexeev A.M., Alexeev E.M.

For Russian citation (Opticheskii Zhurnal):

Попова В.А., Никоноров Н.В., Алексеев А.М., Алексеев Е.М. Элементы ввода–вывода излучения в ионообменные оптические волноводы на основе объемных брэгговских решеток в фототерморефрактивном стекле // Оптический журнал. 2026. Т. 93. № 1. С. 95–105. http://doi.org/10.17586/1023-5086-2026-93-01-95-105

PopovaV.A., NikonorovN.V., Alexeev A.M., Alexeev E.M. Input–output optical couplers for ion-exchanged planar waveguides based on volume Bragg gratings in photo-thermo-refractive glass [in Russian] // Opticheskii Zhurnal. 2026. V. 93. № 1. P. 95–105. http://doi.org/10.17586/1023-5086-2026-93-01-95-105

For citation (Journal of Optical Technology):

Abstract:

Subject of study. Ion-exchange optical waveguides and Bragg volume gratings in photo-thermo-refractive glass. Aim of Study. Creation of input/output couplers in planar ion-exchange waveguides based on volume Bragg gratings in photo-thermo-refractive glass. Method. Firstly, photo-thermo-induced crystallization is used. A volume Bragg grating is recorded with ultraviolet laser light and subsequent thermal treatment at a temperature of 500 °C. Secondly, ion exchange in an AgNO₃salt melt at temperature 350 °C is performed. It increases the surface refractive index and forms a planar waveguide while preserving the Bragg grating. Main Results. Monolithic combination of a planar waveguide and a volume Bragg grating is acquired. Volume Bragg grating can function both as an input and output element in the waveguide. Practical Significance. Photo-thermo-refractive glass enables the integration of photo-thermo-induced crystallization technology with ion exchange. The fabrication of input/output couplers and optical waveguide structures within a single material supports an approach that minimizes the range of required optical materials while enhancing functionality and reducing the number of bulky external optical elements.

Keywords:

photo-thermo-refractive glass, volume Bragg grating, ion exchange, planar waveguide, hologram

OCIS codes: 160.2750, 160.2900, 160.3130, 050.7330

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