Performance of electro-optical plasmonic ring resonators at telecom wavelengths

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Plasmonics
• Materials Science
• Optoelectronics

Background:

• Surface plasmon polariton (SPP) waveguides offer unique light confinement properties.
• Dielectric-loaded SPP waveguides are crucial for integrated photonic devices.
• Electro-optic modulation is essential for high-speed optical signal processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize an electro-optical dielectric-loaded surface plasmon polariton waveguide ring resonator.
• To investigate the effect of an applied electric field on the device's transmission.
• To understand the underlying physical mechanisms responsible for the observed electro-optic response.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a dielectric-loaded SPP waveguide ring resonator doped with an electro-optic material.
• Integration of planar electrodes for applying an electric field.
• Measurement of transmission characteristics under varying electric field strengths.
• Analysis of the device's temporal response.

Main Results:

• A relative transmission change of 16% was achieved upon application of an electric field.
• The device demonstrated electro-optical modulation capabilities.
• Temporal response analysis indicated a dominant role of electrostriction.

Conclusions:

• The developed waveguide ring resonator exhibits significant electro-optical modulation.
• Electrostriction in the host matrix is the primary mechanism driving the transmission changes.
• This device shows potential for applications in optical modulation and switching.