Optimization of Polymer Cladding Materials for Polymer-Based Electro-Optic Devices

We propose to design and synthesize new polymers that are more conductive than currently used UV-curable polymer at both low and high temperatures (~200 oC ). Low loss, non-UV curable host polymers will also be identified and developed. The more conductivepolymers and the host polymers will be blended or covalently incorporated. Thin films and waveguides will be prepared to examine film quality, film resistivity at different temperatures and voltages, as well as dielectric constant and optical loss. DuringPhase I, the goal is to increase conductivity of cladding materials to a level that is two orders of magnitude higher than that of EO polymers made from PWC proprietary highly active chromophores. At the end of Phase I, working devices will be fabricatedusing the more conductive polymer blends to demonstrate the enhancement in EO performance. The use of proposed cladding polymer materials with increased conductivity in polymer modulators is expected to enhance a poling efficiency by 35%. That willtranslate into cost-effective, broadband devices with driving voltages under 3 V that satisfy reliability requirements of telecommunication industry.