Theoretical investigation of phonon-polariton modes in undoped and ion-doped PPLN crystals

The properties of phonon-polaritons in one-dimensional undoped and ion-doped periodically poled superlattice lithium niobate (PPLN) crystals are studied theoretically. In this paper, we focus on the case that the electric field vector of the electromagnetic wave is parallel to the acoustic propagation vector. The phonon-polaritons are products of the coupling between electromagnetic and acoustic waves of mutually perpendicular propagations. Based on the theory of the phonon-polariton in PPLN, we investigate the phonon-polariton in ion-doped PPLN. The effects of the duty cycle and the impurities upon the properties of phonon-polaritons are discussed in detail. Some potential applications are also discussed.