Low Voltage, Low Insertion Loss Microwave/Photonic Electro-Optic Modulator

IPITEK proposes a novel low-voltage, low-loss wideband (>20 GHz) electro-optic modulator based on nonlinear optical (NLO) polymer materials. Our proposed approach will be based on IPITEK's experimental success in achieving 0.8 V halfwave voltage in anovel Mach-Zehnder modulator design. Optical push-pull will be used to reduce the half-wave voltage to less than 1 volt. The application of our unique nonlinear cladding layer technology can, in itself, reduce the half-wave voltage by thirty percent.IPITEK will also investigate the use of photonic bandgap structures for additional reduction in the modulator half-wave voltage. Also, our three-dimensional adiabatic tapered waveguide transitions together with cylindrical lensed fiber will result in lowoptical interface loss. Initial radiation testing will be completed during Phase I to determine the applicability of these devices for space environments. The potential for commercial applications is excellent, and high optical power throughput with lowlosses, small size, and low cost will satisfy both military and commercial requirements. These novel modulators will provide both high bit rates for digital signals and high dynamic range for RF distribution, and they fit IPITEK's present and continuingmarketing and sales agenda. A range of diverse applications can be accommodated, such as high-speed digital signal distribution, the remoting of antennas for cellular and micro-cellular RF radio systems used in military and commercial applications, the distribution of analog cabletelevision video signals, and even signal processing for phased array antenna beam forming.