Hybrid electro-optic polymer and selectively buried sol-gel waveguides

An approach to utilizing electro-optically (EO) active polymers in hybrid waveguide structures is described and demonstrated. Buried sol-gel waveguides provide a robust basis for planar integrated circuitry, suitable for coupling with optical fibers. By selectively exposing the core of a buried channel guide, overcoating with an EO polymer, and using appropriately tapered transition zones, a guided mode can be made to undergo adiabatic transitions from sol-gel waveguide up into the EO polymer and back. Such a single-mode device was constructed. These transitions were proven via modulation of the emerging wave’s polarization ellipse by application of voltage to the EO polymer.