NOVEL INTEGRATED-OPTIC INTENSITY MODULATOR BASED ON MODE-COUPLING

The analysis, design, realization, and measurements of a novel intensity modulator are reported. The operating principle is based on mode coupling between a passive low-loss SiON waveguide and an electro-optic high-loss polymer waveguiding structure. Matching the waveguides is critical and results in severe demands for the technology. Extended simulations by the Coupled Mode Theory, the Leaky Wave Model, and Finite Difference Beam Propagation Method resulted in the design of several modulator structures. After realization, modulation could be demonstrated at 632 nm and at 1523 nm using lossy waveguiding modes and surface plasmon modes.