Visualization of optical deflection and switching operations by a domain-engineered-based LiNbO3 electro-optic device

An electro-optic device applied as an optical beam deflector and switch at different wavelengths has been built and tested. The electro-optic device is based on domain-engineered lithium niobate (LiNbO3). In this paper, for the first time, its operation has been visualized by an imaging camera. The device has been characterized both at the visible wavelength (632.8 nm) and at a typical telecom wavelength (1532 nm). Furthermore, the device has been tested as an amplitude modulator in the mid-infrared region as well, at a wavelength of similar to4.3 mum, where no Pockels cells are available. A detailed description of this device is given, and the experimental results are discussed. (C) 2003 Optical Society of America.