Volume integrated phase modulator based on funnel waveguides for reconfigurable miniaturized optical circuits

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Solid-State Physics

Background:

• Miniaturization of optical components is crucial for advanced integrated photonic circuits.
• Electro-optic modulators are fundamental for signal processing in optical systems.
• Photorefractive materials offer unique electro-optic properties for device applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a miniaturized electro-optic phase modulator.
• To integrate this modulator into a 3D chip for reconfigurable optical circuits.
• To utilize the electro-activation of a funnel waveguide in potassium lithium tantalate niobate.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 30μm x 30μm x 2.7mm electro-optic phase modulator.
• Operation in the near-infrared spectrum (λ=980 nm).
• Utilizing electro-activation of a funnel waveguide within a photorefractive potassium lithium tantalate niobate crystal.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of a miniaturized electro-optic phase modulator.
• Demonstration of modulator operation at λ=980 nm.
• The modulator serves as a building block for reconfigurable optical circuits.

Conclusions:

• The developed electro-optic phase modulator is a key component for miniaturized reconfigurable optical circuits.
• Integration into a solid-state 3D chip enables compact photonic systems.
• This work advances the field of integrated photonics and solid-state optical devices.