Electro-optic Polymer Waveguide Vertical Electrode Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The optical modulator described in NPL 1 has a configuration where the rectangular antenna electrodes are arranged above the core layer, making it difficult to enhance the component of the electric field applied to the core layer along the orientation of the electro-optic molecules, resulting in insufficient optical modulation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The electro-optic polymer device incorporates an optical waveguide with a core layer made of electro-optic polymer, where the first upper and lower antenna electrodes are strategically positioned on the principal surfaces of the waveguide. These electrodes have edges proximate to the center line of the core layer, with specific shifts and overlaps to enhance the electric field component applied to the core layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If rectangular antenna electrodes are arranged above the core layer, then the device structure is simple, but the optical modulation efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional top-view electrode arrangement to a vertical stacked configuration where antenna electrodes are positioned above and below the core layer in the thickness direction. This dimensional change enables the electric field to penetrate through the core layer along the orientation of electro-optic molecules, significantly improving optical modulation efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric electrode design where the antenna electrodes above and below the core layer are shifted relative to each other in the width direction, creating an offset configuration. This asymmetry optimizes the electric field distribution to align with the electro-optic molecule orientation, enhancing modulation efficiency without requiring complex symmetric arrangements
2Device complexity
If antenna electrodes are positioned far from the core layer, then the electrode structure is simplified, but the electric field component along the electro-optic molecule orientation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the distance parameters between antenna electrodes and the core layer, specifying that the distance in the normal direction should be less than or equal to 20 μm. This parameter control ensures sufficient electric field strength along the electro-optic molecule orientation while maintaining practical manufacturability and structural simplicity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration significantly improves the optical modulation efficiency of the electro-optic polymer device by optimizing the electric field component applied to the core layer, thereby enhancing the modulation performance.
Implementation Method 1
The electro-optic polymer contains electro-optic molecules, and the electro-optic molecules are oriented along a normal direction of the first principal surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an electro-optic polymer device including an optical waveguide and a first antenna electrode.