Laser with coupled optical waveguides

Abstract

The invention relates to lasers, and more particularly to solid state lasers such as neodymium on lithium niobate crystal lasers. The invention provides a structure with several juxtaposed optical waveguides (12) sufficiently close to each other laterally to be coupled laterally. In order to take into account the risks of inhomogeneity in the refractive indices or inaccuracies in the dimensions which would alter the distribution of the electromagnetic field of the propagation supermode in the coupled structure, it is proposed to act on the value of the index of propagation in each guide using an individual control (generally electrical). Because of the variation in index, individually controlled, phase differences in the laser wave between the different guides are produced and these phase differences react on the composition of the electromagnetic field defining the supermode. It is possible to go as far as modifying the directivity of the laser beam by this electrical control. The control is preferably achieved by electrodes (14) placed in the vicinity of each guide. The guides are made of an electro-optical material such as lithium niobate, and neodymium doping, for example, allows the laser effect to appear in the very interior of the guides.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.