Electrochemical Optical Modulator for Fast Spectral Tuning
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Summary
Problems
Existing optical modulators lack the ability to efficiently tune optical properties across a wide spectral range with fast switching speeds and low power consumption, limiting their applications in displays and adaptive systems.
Innovation solutions
An electrochemically actuated optical modulator is developed, comprising a backplane, an electrochemical actuator, and an optical resonator, where the electrochemical actuator undergoes controlled volume changes induced by ion intercalation between graphene sheets, modifying the resonant absorption frequency and enabling tunability across visible and infrared frequencies.
TRIZ Analysis
Specific contradictions:
General conflict description:
Principle concept:
If conventional optical modulators are used, then optical properties can be tuned, but the switching speed is slow and power consumption is high
Why choose this principle:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or thermal actuation mechanisms with an electrochemical actuation system. The electrochemical actuator uses ion intercalation into graphene sheets to induce volume expansion, which mechanically modulates the optical resonator. This substitution enables faster switching speeds and lower power consumption compared to traditional mechanical or thermal systems.
Principle concept:
If conventional optical modulators are used, then optical properties can be tuned, but the switching speed is slow and power consumption is high
Why choose this principle:
The patent changes the physical state and volume of the electrochemical actuator material through ion intercalation. By controlling the intercalation of ions into the graphene sheets, the actuator's volume expands or contracts, which in turn modulates the optical properties of the resonator. This parameter change approach enables dynamic tuning of optical properties with fast response and low energy consumption.
Application Domain
Data Source
AI summary:
An electrochemically actuated optical modulator is developed, comprising a backplane, an electrochemical actuator, and an optical resonator, where the electrochemical actuator undergoes controlled volume changes induced by ion intercalation between graphene sheets, modifying the resonant absorption frequency and enabling tunability across visible and infrared frequencies.
Abstract
A device according to one example of principles described herein may include a backplane, electrochemical actuator, and an optical resonator, wherein the electrochemical actuator is located between the backplane and optical resonator. Applied energy may be used to modify the volume of the electrochemical actuator material modifying the resonant/interferometric absorption, transmission, and reflection at visible and/or infrared frequencies.