Realization of sub 1 V polymeric EO modulators through systematic definition of material structure/function relationships

Quantum mechanics and new statistical mechanical methods have been employed to optimize macroscopic electro-optic activity for organic chromophore-con taining polymeric materials. In particular, statistical mechanical (equilib rium and kinetic Monte Carlo) methods that explicitly take into account man y-body, spatially-anisotropic, intermolecular interactions are necessary to understand the variation of macroscopic electro-optic activity with chromo phore number density, shape, dipole moment, polarizability, and polymer die lectric constant. With guidance from theory, materials have been prepared t hat exhibit electro-optic coefficients of greater than 100 pm/V. Halfwave v oltages of less than one volt have been realized for devices fabricated fro m these materials. Low halfwave voltage, ultrahigh bandwidth, and ease of i ncorporation into sophisticated 3-D circuits are some of the demonstrated a dvantages of polymeric electro-optic devices; however, for such devices to be commercially viable they must exhibit exceptional stability in harsh env ironments (high temperature and optical power exposure). Lattice hardening (intermolecular cross-linking plays a critical role in defining chemical, p hotochemical, and thermal stability. Optical insertion loss is another issu e that requires attention to both material design and device structure. Tec hniques for reducing insertion loss are cited. New material performance cap abilities have led to new device concepts and demonstrations; several examp les are given. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.