Abstract

The attractiveness of performing acoustooptic spectrum analysis using integrated optical circuitry is well documented in the literature^(1,2), and considerable research has been performed to perfect and integrate the various components of such circuitry.^(3,4,5,6) Our concern is with the waveguide, and in particular with the reduction of system noise associated with waveguide scattering. Special attention has been given to waveguides formed in LiNbO₃ substrates by Ti diffusion and to "in-plane" scattering events in which both incident and scattered photons are confined to discrete modes, but propagate in different directions in the plane of the waveguide. This type of scattering is associated with the detection of spurious optical signals which can limit the dynamic range of a spectrum analyzer.^(7,8)

© 1980 Optical Society of America