Thermo-optic plasmon-polariton devices
US7043134B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 4, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2203/10
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A waveguide structure comprises a thin strip of material having a relatively high free charge carrier density surrounded by material having a relatively low free charge carrier density. The width and thickness of the strip are dimensioned such that optical radiation having a wavelength in a predetermined range couples to the strip and propagates along its length as a plasmon-polariton wave. The device includes a waveguide heater for passing a current through the strip to heat it and the surrounding material, so as to vary propagation of the optical radiation, or means for monitoring propagation of the optical radiation to determine a change in temperature of the strip. Some embodiments provide both heating of the strip and monitoring of its temperature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.