All-organic switching polarizer based on polymer waveguides and liquid crystals

Abstract

This paper reports on the design, fabrication and characterization of an all-organic photonic integrated circuit working as a switching polarizer for visible light (630nm), combining organic waveguides and liquid crystals that can be electrically driven. The device was made in commercially available epoxy by laser direct writing lithography. A device with a 2dB loss and a 20dB extinction ratio for both polarizations, was simulated; the manufactured devices proved the working principle of the design. The results have led to the design of a switching polarization splitter, in which a careful choice of waveguide material and liquid crystal can lead to devices working on a wide range of wavelengths.

Integrated Mach–Zehnder Interferometer Based on Liquid Crystal Evanescent Field Tuning

“…If SiO2 cladding had been used, this design would ensure a single mode cut-off at 870 nm in the waveguides and dual mode behavior in the MMIs; however, when employing liquid crystal cladding, the cut-off depends on the switching state. [20] between the waveguide and an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) coated glass cover. The desired thickness was obtained using a 6 µm thick Mylar film between the chip and the glass cover.…”

“…The sample was placed on a thermally stabilized XYZθ stage (Figure 3). [20] between the waveguide and an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) coated glass cover. The desired thickness was obtained using a 6 µm thick Mylar film between the chip and the glass cover.…”

Polymer-Based Device Fabrication and Applications Using Direct Laser Writing Technology

“…For the applications of optical devices, polymer-based optical materials have been commonly used in the fabrication of optical waveguides, polymer fibers, and micro-optics devices [5,6,7,8,9,10] due to the high optical transmission properties, good plasticity, and excellent mechanical stability. In addition, the excellent compatibility of the polymer material allows it to be combined with other materials with electro-optical or magnetic properties for the fabrication of organic electro-optical or magnetic components [11,12,13,14]. Due to the high electro-optic (EO) coefficients, high thermal stability, good flexibility, and low dielectric constant, polymer materials are also widely used for wide bandwidth, high-efficiency organic electro-optical modulation devices [15,16] as well as flexible electronic circuits and microelectronic devices [2,17].…”

The Influence of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on the Dynamic Properties of Nematic Liquid Crystals in Magnetic Field

“…On the other hand, there is a high interest in using LC-based devices for applications other than display technologies. We can mention here phase modulators [26][27][28], real-time holography devices [29], or switching polarizers [30]. Newly discovered nanoparticles, such as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), might be used in these technologies either to obtain faster response devices or, in other cases, to design slower response devices, but whose optical parameters can be controlled.…”