Numerical analysis of on-chip acousto-optic modulators for visible wavelengths

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Materials Science
• Integrated Optics
• Acousto-Optics

Background:

• On-chip acousto-optic modulators are crucial for integrated photonic systems.
• Lithium niobate on sapphire offers excellent electro-optic and acousto-optic properties.
• Efficient light-matter interaction is key for hybrid photonic-atomic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose novel on-chip acousto-optic modulators operating at 780 nm optical and 6.835 GHz microwave frequencies.
• To design high-efficiency phase modulators and single-sideband mode converters.
• To investigate the influence of waveguide width on light-wave interactions.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a lithium-niobate-on-sapphire platform.
• Designing photonic waveguides for efficient surface acoustic wave excitation.
• Simulating and analyzing optical mode confinement and acousto-optic interactions.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated efficient surface acoustic wave excitation and strong optical mode interaction.
• Designed devices with small footprints and high efficiencies.
• Identified waveguide width sensitivity in optical-microwave interactions below 1 µm.

Conclusions:

• Proposed devices are suitable for controlling rubidium atoms and creating hybrid photonic-atomic chips.
• The acousto-optic modulators show potential for extension to other visible wavelengths.
• These modulators can be applied to visible light applications like imaging and sensing.