This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II research project will develop compact, high-speed, low-voltage waveguide modulator devices, with capabilities well beyond those presently available. The enabling technology for these devices is a patented process for deposition and patterning of single-crystal lithium niobate (LiNbO3) thin films. This technology will be refined with particular emphasis on improving manufacturability and reducing production costs, by working closely with manufacturers of commercial telecommunications components. Fiber optic networks are being implemented in industry, defense and domestic and international telecommunications. Traveling wave modulators are a key component in these networks. This project will enable new products that will add increased speed, capacity and flexibility to growing optical communications networks. In the longer term, this technology could also be applied to a variety of other devices based on single crystal films of a non-linear electro-optical material such as LiNbO3.
