title: Two-dimensional mapping of electro-optic phase retardation in lithium niobate crystals by digital holography.
abstract: We demonstrate accurate two-dimensional mapping of the phase retardation induced by the electro-optic effect in lithium niobate crystals. Off-axis digital holography is used to investigate congruent z-cut crystals. The spatially resolved optical path difference is interferometrically measured while a linearly rising voltage ramp is applied to the crystal. This procedure provides information on the uniformity of crystals' electro-optic properties and offers the ability to detect the presence of defects that is of fundamental importance for reliable processing of photonic devices.
authors.affiliation: Istituto di Cibernetica del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078-Pozzuoli (NA), Italy. marella.deangelis@na.infn.it
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: de Angelis
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: De Nicola
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Finizio
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pierattini
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ferraro
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grilli
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Paturzo
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sansone
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Alfieri
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: De Natale