Piezoelectric-based optical modulator for miniaturized wireless medical implants

Optical links for medical implants have recently been explored as an attractive option primarily because it provides a route to ultrasmall wireless implant systems. Existing devices for optical communication either are not CMOS compatible, require large bias voltages to operate, or consume substantial amounts of power. Here, we present a high-Q CMOS-compatible electro-optic modulator that enables establishing an optical data uplink to implants. The modulator acts as a pF-scale capacitor, requires no bias voltage, and operates at CMOS voltages of down to 0.5V. We believe this technology would provide a path towards the realization of millimeter (mm)- and sub-mm scale wireless implants for use in bio-sensing applications.