Non-linear optical silica thin film manufacturing method and non-linear optical silica element

Abstract

A non-linear optical silica thin film (22) whose main material is SiO2—GeO2 is formed by irradiating positive or negative polar particles and polarization orientation is carried out in the silica thin film. For example, by repeating, while forming the silica thin film (22), forming the thin film in a state of irradiating positive particles, forming the thin film in a neutral state, such as irradiation of neutral particles or non-irradiation of particles, forming the thin film in a state of irradiating negative particles, and forming the thin film in a neutral state, a plurality of regions (22-1, 22-2, and 22-3) in different states of polarization orientation are formed in a direction of film thickness of the silica thin film (22). Distribution of charges arises in the silica thin film (22) being formed by irradiation of polar particles and polarization orientation is automatically carried out in the silica thin film (22). Thus, without carrying out an post process of polarization orientation, such as application of voltage, a polarization orientation process is completed almost simultaneously with completion of forming the silica thin film (22). Thus, it is possible to form periodical polarization orientation structure in a direction of film thickness.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.