Optical waveguides in Nd:YAG by proton implantation

Proton implantation has been used to produce optical waveguides in Nd:YAG. Two- and four-implant guides have been characterised by the dark mode method and by spectroscopic studies. A very small index enhancement was obtained as it was expected in this material as well as other insulators. It is shown that the luminescence properties of the Nd ions are not significantly altered by the ion beam process, thus maintaining the crystal quality in the guiding region. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.