Title: Methods of epsilon-near-zero optical modulation

Abstract

A method of optical modulation in a non-resonant epsilon-near-zero (EMZ) plasmonic electro-optical modulator is provided. An optical carrier is injected into a waveguide optically coupled to a layer of transparent conductive material having an epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) wavelength. The transparent conductive material layer constitutes a portion of a capacitive structure that includes a gate dielectric layer. A time-varying bias voltage applied across the gate dielectric layer shifts the ENZ wavelength toward the carrier wavelength, and thereby impresses a phase modulation pattern on the carrier wave.

Inventors:

Wood, Michael; Campione, Salvatore; Keeler, Gordon Arthur; Geib, Kent M.; Shank, Joshua; Ihlefeld, Jon; Serkland, Darwin K.; Luk, Ting S.; Reines, Isak Clark

Issue Date:

2021-02-02

Research Org.:

Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

OSTI Identifier:

1805468

Patent Number(s):

10908440

Application Number:

16/510,012

Assignee:

National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (Albuquerque, NM)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

G - PHYSICS G02 - OPTICS G02F - DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS, THE OPTICAL OPERATION OF WHICH IS MODIFIED BY CHANGING THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIUM OF THE DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF THE INTENSITY, COLOUR, PHASE, POLARISATION OR DIRECTION OF LIGHT, e.g. SWITCHING, GATING, MODULATING OR DEMODULATING

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G - PHYSICS G02 - OPTICS G02F - DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS, THE OPTICAL OPERATION OF WHICH IS MODIFIED BY CHANGING THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIUM OF THE DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF THE INTENSITY, COLOUR, PHASE, POLARISATION OR DIRECTION OF LIGHT, e.g. SWITCHING, GATING, MODULATING OR DEMODULATING

G02F1/0018 - {Electro-optical materials}
G02F1/0102 - {Constructional details
G02F1/025 - in an optical waveguide structure

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DOE Contract Number:  

NA0003525

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 07/12/2019

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English