NSF Award
9631193
*** 9631193 Sriram This STTR Phase I proposal will demonstrate the feasibility of novel integrated optical waveguide devices using the emerging technology of electro-optic polymeric materials. Such devices would offer significant benefits for optical communication, signal processing, computing and sensing applications. The overall objective of Phase I is to incorporate an electro-optic polymer on a silicon substrate to form integrated optic waveguide devices. The program will investigate both electro-optic polymers with established properties and electro-optic polymers at the forefront of development which have potential for improved performance. Polymers developed in the polymer research laboratories at the University of Cincinnati will be incorporated in the later stages of the device fabrication process. To demonstrate feasibility in this Phase I effort, new electro-optic organic polymers and novel optoelectronic device technology will be combined to demonstrate a commercially viable electric field sensor. Phase I will serve as a foundation for exploring in Phase II the possibility of creating other device configurations, such as optical modulators for optical communication and signal processing. Applications include external modulation of lasers for communication and CATV, modulator arrays for data networks, optical network units in Fiber-in-the-Home, hybrid integration of silicon ICs and photonic circuits, A/D and D/A converters, voltage and electric field sensors. ***
