Measurement of birefringence in integrated optical waveguides by use of a microwave-modulated optical wave

We present a technique for measuring birefringence (B) in integrated optica l waveguides by use of a microwave-modulated optical wave. It is shown that the technique is able to yield an accurate measurement of birefringence. I n addition, an approximate estimate of birefringence dispersion (dB/d lambd a) can be achieved by means of tuning the wavelength of the light source an d measuring the dependence of the birefringence on the wavelength. As an ex ample of the use of the technique, we show how to evaluate an innovative Ti :LiNbO3 waveguide. The results show that such a Ti:LiNbO3 waveguide has a b irefringence of 0.0783 +/- 0.0001 and a birefringence dispersion of 0.05 +/ - 0.01 mum(-1) when the optical wavelength is approximately 1.560 mum. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 130.2790, 130.3120, 130.3730, 2 30.7370, 060.2420, 120.5050.