Electro-optic modulators
US6914999B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 2, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 2, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2203/10
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A low loss, low drive voltage plasmon-polariton electro-optic modulator based on mode cutoff comprises a waveguide structure formed by a thin metallic strip surrounded by material having a relatively low free charge carrier density. The metallic strip has finite width and thickness with dimensions such that optical radiation having a wavelength in a predetermined range couples to the metallic strip and propagates along the length of the metallic strip as a plasmon-polariton wave. The surrounding material comprises two distinct portions with the metallic strip extending between them. The modulator comprises means for varying an electric field applied to at least one portion so as to vary the value of the electromagnetic property and thereby the propagation characteristics of the plasmon-polariton wave.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.