Realization and characterization of LiF/NaF thin film planar waveguides.

Guided light propagation in two-layer LiF/NaF structures grown on glass substrates is reported for the first time. LiF/NaF based waveguides have been grown at different temperatures. The films texture analysis revealed both the influence of the underlying NaF buffer layer on the structure of the guiding LiF film and the importance of the film microstructure on the light propagation properties.