60 GHz Polymer Modulators for Millimeter Wave Analog Photonic Links

Pacific Wave Industries in association with the University of Southern California has developed a unique polymer material and high frequency design for amplitude light modulators. Building upon on our extensive experience in this area we propose tofabricate and test a 60 GHz polymer Mach-Zehnder modulator for the efficient optical distribution of millimeter waves. PWI's new electro-optic polymer material providing long-term 85 degrees C operation will be utilized. Two basic configurations will befabricated. The first one, designed for the very broadband operations from 10 GHz to 65 GHz, will have a DC half-wave voltage Vp in the order of 4 V. The second modification will be usable in several narrower bands, such as 40 to 44 GHz and 60 to 65 GHz,with DC Vp as low as 2 V. Finally, both types of the modulators will be hermetically packaged with input and output optical fibers, standard RF V-connectors and necessary matching circuits or/and proper terminations. These devices are expected to have amajor role in the remoting of millimeter waves in radar and communication applications.