Active Photonic Crystal Devices in Self-Assembled Electro-Optic Polymeric Materials

Abstract

AbstractPhotonic crystals (PC) offer novel approaches for integrated photonics by allowing the manipulation of light based on the photonic bandgap effect rather than internal-reflection mechanisms employed in traditional devices. Electro-optic polymers represent interesting possibilities for the development of devices leveraging control over the phase of a confined propagating wave. We here report on the development of such active photonic crystal technology in ionically self-assembled monolayers. The simulation of active photonic devices such as Mach-Zehnder interferometers and wavelength multiplexers is first presented. We then report on the synthesis and optical characterization of electro-optic films grown through the ISAM technique. We conclude by presenting the preliminary development of a nanofabrication platform that would enable the realization of active photonic devices in such materials.