Electrode geometries for periodic poling of ferroelectric materials

We have realized novel electrode configurations for efficient periodic poli ng of ferroelectric crystals by applying a simple patterning method based o n laser-induced material ablation. The new geometries mere theoretically in vestigated and compared with conventional configurations. A systematic opti mization of the patterning according to the ablated profile led to high-qua lity quasi-phase-matched structures in lithium niobate with a grating perio d of 20 mu m. The periodically poled samples were characterized by use of t hird-order second-harmonic generation of a Nd:YAG laser. (C) 1998 Optical S ociety of America.