Structure optimization of electro-optic polymer waveguides for low half-wave voltage modulators

Hind Mahé; Dominique Bosc; Nicolas Gayet; Fabrice Odobel; Pierre-Antoinne Bonnardel; Duc Minh Nguyen; Mathieu Halbwax

doi:10.1117/12.853595

4 June 2010 Structure optimization of electro-optic polymer waveguides for low half-wave voltage modulators

Hind Mahé, Dominique Bosc, Nicolas Gayet, Fabrice Odobel, Pierre-Antoinne Bonnardel, Duc Minh Nguyen, Mathieu Halbwax

Proceedings Volume 7728, Nonlinear Optics and Applications IV; 77281G (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.853595
Event: SPIE Photonics Europe, 2010, Brussels, Belgium

Abstract

In this article, we discuss the waveguide dimensions optimization aiming to reduce the V_π. For that purpose, various cover materials are investigated leading to a minimum effective core area " A_eff". The index contrast (core-cladding) at λ= 1550 nm, is varying from 0.07 to 0.21. As a result, the A_eff decreases from 12 μm² down to 2.3 μm², the total thickness of the waveguide is thus reduced and consequently the Vπ. Optimal parameters were calculated at λ= 1550 nm for single mode inverted-rib waveguides structure. The PAS1 a new polymer is used as electro-optic material for the core. An analytical model taking account the losses by tunnelling, allowed us to estimate the optimum distance between electrodes to reduce the Vπ which could be about 1.6V ( 0.8 V in a push-pull configuration). Related with the bandwidth of the modulator, permittivity measurements were carried out on core and cladding polymers as well. The process of waveguides fabrication is described in details and several waveguides are performed. Finally, a new experimental technique for precision measurements of the propagation losses in waveguides is presented. The principle is simple, and the propagation losses measured is found to be independent of coupling conditions.

Citation Download Citation

Hind Mahé, Dominique Bosc, Nicolas Gayet, Fabrice Odobel, Pierre-Antoinne Bonnardel, Duc Minh Nguyen, and Mathieu Halbwax "Structure optimization of electro-optic polymer waveguides for low half-wave voltage modulators", Proc. SPIE 7728, Nonlinear Optics and Applications IV, 77281G (4 June 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.853595

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available