Patent EP0241967A1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
EP0241967A1
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Electro-optically induced optical waveguide, and active devices comprising such a waveguide
Assignee: Koninklijke PTT Nederland NV
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Filing: 1987-03-25
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2007-03-25
Abstract
Abstract A light waveguide device including a thin film of a polymer material capable of exhibiting the electro-optic effect. The composite structure of first electrode, buffer layer, thin film layer and second electrode covering substantially the entire area of the adjacent major surface of the thin film layer, in that order is disposed on a substrate. In an alternative embodiment the buffer layer is a strip-shaped ridge on those thin film regions only which are in registration with the first electrode. Various types of integrated optical components can be readily implemented. Embodiments of a phase modulator, directional coupler, switch and bending section are described.
Inventors
- 👤 Nicolaius Henricus Baken
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 11:56
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/03; G02F1/035; G02F1/061; G02F1/065; G02F1/29; G02F1/31; G02F1/313; G02F1/3132
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
A light waveguide device comprising: a substantially flat portion of electro-optic material, a first electrode formed in a preselected pattern on one major surface of said portion, a second electrode formed on an opposing surface of said portion, a buffer layer interposed between said first electrode and said portion of electro-optic material and means for causing a voltage to occur across said portion of electro-optic material through said first and second electrodes, characterized in that said portion of electro-optic material is a thin film of a polymer dissolved in a volatile solvent; said polymer having a Δn 0.005 at 1 V/µm, with Δn representing a change of refractive index n of said electro-optic material caused by said voltage; the composite structure including in the following order said first electrode, said buffer layer, said thin film, and said second electrode, is supported on and attached to a substrate; said second electrode covers substantially the entire area of that major surface of said thin film turned towards said substrate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
A light waveguide device comprising: a substantially flat portion of electro-optic material, a first electrode formed in a preselected pattern on one major surface of said portion, a second electrode formed on an opposing surface of said portion, a buffer layer interposed between said first electrode and said portion of electro-optic material and means for causing a voltage to occur across said portion of electro-optic material through said first and second electrodes, characterized in that said portion of electro-optic material is a thin film of a polymer dissolved in a volatile solvent; said polymer having a Δn 0.005 at 1 V/µm, with Δn representing a change of refractive index n of said electro-optic material caused by said voltage; the composite structure including in the following order said first electrode, said buffer layer, said thin film, and said second electrode, is supported on and attached to a substrate; said second electrode covers substantially the entire area of that major surface of said thin film turned towards said substrate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A light waveguide device according to claim 1, characterized in that said thin film of electro-optic material is locally poled in those regions only where said first and second electrodes are aligned in registration.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
A light waveguide device according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said buffer layer is locally disposed to form a ridge, of predetermined height, on those thin film portions only which are in registration with said first electrode.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
71 words
A light waveguide device according to any of the foregoing claims 1 - 3, wherein said first electrode is arranged on said one major surface in a pattern of a plurality of parallel strips, characterized in that said pattern includes three pairs of parallel strips, said pairs extending co-linearly while being disposed adjacent to each other; each one of said strips having its individual connecting means for receiving an electric voltage.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
73 words
A light waveguide device according to any of the foregoing claims 1 - 3, wherein said first electrode is arranged on said one major surface in a pattern including a pair of parallel strips, characterized in that said pattern includes a third strip partially extending in between said parallel strips and in parallel thereto; each one of the strips included in said pattern having its individual connecting means for receiving and electric voltage.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
54 words
A light waveguide device according to claim 5, characterized by a further strip section interposed between said pair of parallel strips; said fourth and third strips extending co-linearly, while being disposed adjacent to each other; each one of the strips included the composite pattern having its individual connecting means for receiving an electric voltage.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
70 words
A light waveguide device according to any of the foregoing claims 1-3, wherein said first electrode includes a bended strip portion, characterized in that said thin film or its major surface facing said buffer layer, has a ridge of electro-optic material integrally formed therewith; said ridge substantially conforming in size and shape to said bended strip portion; said bended strip portion is disposed in partially overlapping relation to said ridge.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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