Phase matching using Bragg reflection waveguides for monolithic nonlinear optics applications

A novel design to achieve phase matching between modes of a vertical distributed Bragg reflector waveguide and those of a conventional total internal reflection waveguide is reported for the first time. The device design and structure lend themselves to monolithic integration with active devices using well developed photonic fabrication technologies. Due to the lack of any modulation of the optical properties in the direction of propagation, the device promises very low insertion loss. This property together with the large overlap integral between the interacting fields dramatically enhances the conversion efficiency. The phase matching bandwidth, tunability and dimensions of these structures make them excellent contenders to harness optical nonlinearities in compact, low insertion loss monolithically integrable devices. (c) 2006 Optical Society of America.