Domain-inverted electro-optic polymeric waveguide beam deflector

A beam deflector has been designed and fabricated that uses a nonlinear-optical polymer. The device is composed of a cascade of polymeric electro-optic prisms formed within a planar waveguide of the same polymer system. A laser beam, to be deflected, is coupled into and out of the planar waveguide by cylindrical lenses. The light path of the laser beam within the planar waveguide is adjusted to pass through the successive prisms of the cascade, where the Gaussian transverse-made profile is centered (initially) within each of the prisms. The index of refraction of each prism in the cascade, but not of the surrounding polymer, is modified by the electro-optic effect when a drive voltage is then applied. The application of a drive voltage thus causes the planar waveguide to function as a sequence of prisms that change the path of propagation of the beam through the planar waveguide. The collimated beam formed by the output cylindrical lens deflects. The extent of deflection is proportional to the amount of refractive-index change induced in the prism cascade. A uniform electrode structure can drive the electro-optic prism cascade, which should enable the device to operate at high speeds when traveling-wave driven.