W-band optical modulators using electro-optic polymer waveguides and patch antenna arrays

In this study, W-band (75-110 GHz) antenna-coupled optical modulators with a cyclo-olefin polymer (COP) lower cladding, an electro-optic (EO) polymer waveguide, and a gap-embedded patch antenna array were fabricated using a transfer and bonding method of a poled EO polymer film. A carrier-to-sideband ratio (CSR) of 56 dB corresponding to an optical phase shift of 3 mrad was obtained under irradiation with 100 GHz electromagnetic waves with a power of 12.8 W/m(2). Our devices have the potential to achieve highly efficient wireless-optical signal conversion in radio-over-fiber (RoF) systems. (C) 2021 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement

Automated summary

This study successfully fabricated W-band antenna-coupled optical modulators with specific materials and manufacturing methods, achieving efficient optical phase shift under high-power electromagnetic wave irradiation. These devices have the potential to achieve signal conversion in radio-over-fiber systems.