In-line polymeric construct for modulators, filters, switches and other electro-optic devices

US5854864A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• The Regents of the University of California · US
• Optical Networks, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Andre Knoesen · Davis, US
• Diego R. Yankelevich · Davis, US
• Scott Hamilton · Cincinnati, US
• Nicholas Abbott · Madison, US
• Richard A. Hill · Irvine, US
• Gary C. Bjorklund · Los Altos, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 16, 1996
• Grant date: Dec 29, 1998
• Expiry date: Jul 16, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B6/283
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A coplanar waveguide polymeric in-line fiber construct (CPW-PILF) formed on an optic half coupler substrate base or D-fiber wherein the surface is polished down through the cladding on the optical fiber so as to form an evanescent coupling region on the surface. Co-planar, spaced-apart electrodes are deposited on the surface with their gap aligned over the coupling region, and an electro-optic (EO) polymeric waveguide is deposited over the electrodes and between the electrode gap. Light transmitted thorough the optical fiber is evanescently coupled to said waveguide and modulated by a signal applied to the electrodes. Alternatively, the waveguide is deposited on the surface of the substrate and the electrodes are deposited over the waveguide.