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Title: Integrated liquid-crystal-based variable-tap devices for visible-light amplitude modulation
In this Letter, we propose and experimentally demonstrate the first, to our knowledge, integrated liquid-crystal-based (LC-based) variable-tap devices for visible-light amplitude modulation. These devices leverage the birefringence of LC medium to actively tune the coupling coefficient between two waveguides. First, we develop the device structure, theory of operation, and design procedure. Next, we summarize the fabrication and LC packaging procedure for these devices. Finally, we experimentally demonstrate amplitude modulation with 15.4-dB tap-port extinction within ±3.1 V for a 14-µm-long device at a 637-nm operating wavelength. These small-form-factor variable-tap devices provide a compact and low-power solution to integrated visible-light amplitude modulation and will enable future high-density integrated visible-light systems.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2239525
PAR ID:
10490702
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
Optical Society of America
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Optics Letters
Volume:
49
Issue:
4
ISSN:
0146-9592; OPLEDP
Format(s):
Medium: X Size: Article No. 1041
Size(s):
Article No. 1041
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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