High modulation rate optical plasmon waveguide modulator
US5067788A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 21, 1990 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F1/0118
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A high-speed light modulator employing surface plasmon wave coupling comprises a metal-dielectric interface positioned adjacent to and externally of a waveguide carrying totally internally reflected light waves. A high frequency voltage applied to the interface causes the dielectric, in the preferred case an ultra-fast electro-optic polymer, to resonate, generating a surface plasmon wave at the interface. The plasmon wave couples with the evanescent wave portion of the light waves in the waveguide. The output intensity of the light waves varies inversely with the strength of coupling between the light wave and surface plasmon wave modes. The modulator eliminates bulk and alignment problems associated with state of the art modulators and can be employed in integrated optic circuits.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.