Diffraction less and strongly confined surface acoustic waves in domain inverted LiNbO3 superlattices

We show that an appropriate mass-loading, placed on the surface and in between the electrodes of a coplanar acoustic LiNbO3 superlattice, can counteract lateral diffraction of surface acoustic waves (SAWs). The strong confinement corresponds to a SAW mode, whose displacement is measured using laser interferometry. The proposed SAW confinement method has also potentials in acousto-optic devices, as we demonstrate a threefold reduction in the electrical power required for complete optical switching in mass-loaded superlattice with respect to similar unloaded structure. The devices have also the advantage not to suffer additional acoustic or optical loss due to the mass-loading structure.