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Tunable photonic-crystal waveguide Mach-Zehnder interferometer achieved by nematic liquid-crystal phase modulation
Optics Express
|May 29, 2009
Summary
This study introduces a tunable photonic crystal (PC) waveguide Mach-Zehnder interferometer using liquid crystals. The device allows optical control of light phase, enabling applications as an on-off switch or amplitude modulator.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Optical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Photonic crystals (PCs) offer unique light-wave propagation control.
- PC-based waveguides are essential for integrated optical devices like interferometers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and numerically investigate a novel tunable photonic crystal waveguide Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
- To demonstrate optical control over light propagation phase within the interferometer.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method for numerical simulation.
- Employed nematic liquid crystals to tune the refractive index of PC waveguides.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated tunable interference by altering liquid crystal refractive indices.
- Showcased the ability to control the phase of light propagation in the PC waveguide interferometer.
Conclusions:
- The proposed liquid crystal-based PC waveguide interferometer offers tunable optical control.
- The device can function as an optically controlled on-off switch or amplitude modulator in optical circuits.
