High-Speed Electro-Optic Modulators

The objective of this work is to use advanced multifunctional polymers for ultrahigh speed, electro-optical modulation modules. For electro-optic modulators, polymer-based devices can gave large electro-optic coefficients, small dispersion, larger frequency response, and greater fabrication flexibility compared to titanium indiffused LiNbO3 or GaAs waveguide technology. Throughout the work we will emphasize the design of nonlinear optical materials which simultaneously address multiple requirements such as waveguide formation and optical nonlinearity. We will evaluate new materials for properties such as nonlinear optical (Pockels') coefficients, indices of refraction, optical absorption, optical scattering, photobleaching index of refraction change, RF dielectric constant, as well as chemical stability, mechanical properties, and thermal properties. We will also determine the suitability of various candidate polymers for application to external modulation devices. This determination will concern materials handling and processing, damage threshold, environmental stability, and service life. A prototype modulator will be constructed and tested to demonstrate the use of multifunctional polymers materials for optical modulation and analog data links during Phase II. The use of multifunctional polymer materials will provide improved frequency response (potentially to 100 GHz), larger electro-optic effect, large damage threshold, lower cost, and greater manufacturing flexibility.