Polymer modulators for broadband communications

Stephen R. Schaefer; William J. Swafford

doi:10.1117/12.165284

16 December 1993 Polymer modulators for broadband communications

Stephen R. Schaefer, William J. Swafford

Proceedings Volume 2025, Nonlinear Optical Properties of Organic Materials VI; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.165284
Event: SPIE's 1993 International Symposium on Optics, Imaging, and Instrumentation, 1993, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Nonlinear optical polymers offer substantial potential for improvement over inorganic crystals such as LiNbO₃ for the fabrication of electro-optic modulators. In this paper, we discuss the challenges and progress in the area of E-O modulator design and fabrication, with particular emphasis on the requirements of the fiber-optics communications industry. In communications, E-O modulators must compete with direct-current modulation of diode lasers--a well established technology with strong industry support. E-O modulators in general, and polymer modulators in particular, must offer improvements such as increased optical powers, higher bandwidth and lower cost, while maintaining high reliability and good environmental performance. These challenges require substantial improvements in materials and device design, as well as the modulator fabrication and processing. We will discuss these challenges and some of the ways that improvements in polymer materials have addressed (and continue to address) these issues.

Citation Download Citation

Stephen R. Schaefer and William J. Swafford "Polymer modulators for broadband communications", Proc. SPIE 2025, Nonlinear Optical Properties of Organic Materials VI, (16 December 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.165284

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