Optical intensity modulator based on a novel electrooptic polymer incorporating high mu beta chromophore

We have synthesized a novel electrooptic (EO) polymer based on a high mu beta chromophore incorporating tricyanobutadiene acceptors. A crosslinked polyurethane network was also adopted to enhance its thermal stability. In order to find the optimum poling condition for the polymer, the influence of the electric poling profile on optical characteristics such as the EO effect, thermal stability, and damage was investigated. Then a high-speed intensity modulator using the EO polymer was designed and fabricated. The measured half-wave voltage V sub( pi ) was 4.5 V at the wavelength of 1.31 mu m. Accordingly, the achieved EO coefficient r sub(33) was as high as 25 pm/V, and the thermal stability of the poled polymer was as high as 95 degree C. Finally, the modulator was successfully operated up to 40 GHz