Issue 33, 2023

Perspectives of thin-film lithium niobate and electro-optic polymers for high-performance electro-optic modulation

Abstract

Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, are driving the exponential growth of data traffic in fiber-optic communication networks. This surge in data transmission demands high-speed optical transceivers capable of handling the increased workload. Electro-optic (EO) modulators, which utilize the electro-optic effect to encode electrical signals into optical carriers, play a critical role in facilitating high-speed optical transceivers. However, achieving both high-speed (bandwidth >100 GHz) and high-efficiency (half-wave voltage Vπ < 1 V) modulation poses significant challenges with commercially available silicon and indium phosphide electro-optic modulators due to inherent limitations in material properties. To overcome these limitations, Pockels electro-optic materials have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation high-speed and high-efficiency EO modulation. These materials exhibit femtosecond or attosecond response times for the linear electro-optic effect. In this manuscript, we highlight recent advancements in two prominent Pockels materials: organic poled polymers (also known as electro-optic polymers or EOP) and inorganic thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN). We summarize their unique material properties and explore their performance in electro-optic modulators using various configurations. Additionally, we discuss the fundamental limitations and practical challenges associated with these materials. This perspective might shed light on the potential of Pockels electro-optic materials for achieving high-speed and high-efficiency EO modulation, while also outlining areas that require further investigation and improvement.

Graphical abstract: Perspectives of thin-film lithium niobate and electro-optic polymers for high-performance electro-optic modulation

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
31 Mär 2023
Accepted
13 Jul 2023
First published
19 Jul 2023

J. Mater. Chem. C, 2023,11, 11107-11122

Perspectives of thin-film lithium niobate and electro-optic polymers for high-performance electro-optic modulation

M. Wang, Y. Chen, S. Zhang, L. Dong, H. Yao, H. Xu, K. Chen and J. Wu, J. Mater. Chem. C, 2023, 11, 11107 DOI: 10.1039/D3TC01132A

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements