Cryo-Compatible Electro-Optic Modulation Using Scalable Commercial TFLN Foundry Platform

To address the Navy need for cryogenic-compatible high-bandwidth interconnects, memQ proposes to create integrated electro-optic modulators using the 200mm thin film lithium niobate platform at HyperLight. The devices will enable high-bandwidth, low-loss, and low-energy modulation on a scalable integrated photonic platform. In the phase I Base period, the feasibility of the approach will be investigated by characterization of existing modulators developed by memQ at the targeted operation temperature ~77-120 K. Simulated modulator models will also be verified with experimental data. In the Phase I Option period, the modulator layout will be updated to improve performance, and a new chip design will be submitted to HyperLight. In phase II the received devices will be characterized, and packaged into a cryogenic-compatible formfactor. At the end of phase II, this technology is expected to be ready (TRL-6) for development as a standard component and integrated into cryogenic interconnect links - which will be the focus of a Phase III type effort.