Stephen J. Caracci

Optimizing nonlinear electro-optic polymer devices through cladding layer design and selection

An analysis of the design and function of multi-layer electro-optic (EO) device structures is presented. Some alternate methods of enhancing electro-optic capabilities of existing, well-studied EO materials are investigated. Through analysis of the electronic and linear optical properties of these components, some possible enhancements have been demonstrated. Experimental and theoretical studies have shown that the relative conductivity and electrical properties of the cladding and guiding layers play a crucial role in the function of electro-optic, guided wave devices. The addition of relatively conductive cladding layers in a device structure has been shown to reduce external poling voltage and delay catastrophic breakdown at high effective poling fields, thus enhancing the achievable EO coefficients and reducing the necessity for high poling voltages. Similarly, material studies have also indicated that the incorporation of a thin interplay between guiding and cladding layers can lead to enhanced guiding and poling in electro-optic guided wave devices. Thus modifications of the non-active components in existing device structures are shown to enhance both waveguide function and EO characteristics of these polymer guided-wave devices.