Liquid-phase epitaxial growth of Zn-doped LiNbO3 thin films and optical damage resistance for second-harmonic generation

ZnO-doped LiNbO3 (LN) liquid-phase epitaxial thin films grown on LN substra tes were investigated as modified LN substrates for optical waveguide devic es. The potential for optical use as substrates compatible with conventiona l ones was examined in quasi-phase-matched second-harmonic generation (SHG) devices from the viewpoint of the domain inversion process and optical dam age properties. The formation of a periodically inverted-domain structure a nd the increased optical damage resistance in SHG were demonstrated. (C) 19 99 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.