Abstract

Optically nonlinear side chain polymers with glass transition temperatures up to 150°C appear to be attractive materials for the realization of channel waveguide polymeric integrated electro-optical devices such as monomode phase modulators, Mach-Zehnder interferometers and 2×2 directional mode coupling switches. Polymeric thin film multilayer structures, serving as the basic building elements for the devices to be made, have successfully been produced. Monomode channel waveguides have been realized in these multilayers by applying the UV-bleaching method. By selection of the proper masks for the bleaching process, the desired device type can be made. Electro-optic coefficients of the order of 30 pm/V have been induced via electric field poling of the multilayers at temperatures around the glass transition temperature of the polymers. Phase modulators, intensity modulators, and space switches have been produced, requiring driving voltages of the order of 5 volts only. Intensity modulation depths of the order of 20 dB's have been achieved for the intensity and space switching devices. Optically nonlinear polymers with improved temperature stabilities are being developed, permitting the integration with opto-electronic chips and components such as diode lasers, etc.

© 1990 Optical Society of America