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 mars 2023
Accepted
13 juil. 2023
First published
19 juil. 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

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