Linear and nonlinear light localization within optically induced photonic superlattices in lithium niobate

Abstract

We experimentally investigate effects of linear and nonlinear propagation of light beams within one-dimensional photonic superlattices fabricated in bulk photorefractive lithium niobate samples and in photorefractive planar waveguides by optical induction technique. In other case similar superlattices are formed by optical modulation of periodic waveguide arrays produced in lithium niobate by thermal diffusion of titanium and iron. The linear localization of light power is experimentally observed in superlattices of all kinds and proved using numerical simulations of light propagation within such structures. The features of nonlinear behavior of light at its propagation in superlattices is also experimentally demonstrated in a configuration of their single-channel excitation. © 2008 SPIE.