Research

Andrew Yick

 

Research

Photonics. Electro-Optic Polymers, Optical Modulators and Resonators, Microwave Photonics, Analog Optical Systems, Device Theory and Simulation, All-Dielectric Sensor and Receiver Systems, Thin-Film Crystals, Laser Rapid Prototyping, Laser-Material Interactions, Optical Communication Links

Microfabrication, Electromagnetics, Antennas, Lab-On-A-Chip, Communication Systems, Signal Processing, Statistics, Control Systems, Time and Motion Study, Science Education, Renewable Energy

Recent Highlights

A.Yick, W.H. Steier, J. Luo, A. Jen. “Low-voltage flexible polymer phase modulator fabricated via novel lift-off poling technique” (in preparation)

Due to the increasing electrical conductivity of next-generation electro-optic polymer materials, it is necessary to find new techniques for efficient poling of the chromophore layer. Current solutions involve finding high conductivity cladding materials or the use of in-plane coplanar waveguide structures. We propose a novel lift-off poling method that has demonstrated >90% achievable alignment efficiency in an EO phase modulator using the newly developed AJ-CKL1 material system. The process is compatible with all current fabrication techniques.

 

The lift-off poling process combines the benefits of single-layer poling and flexible lift-off devices. A single-layer EO film is poled on top of an SU-8 release layer. The SU-8 layer has poor adhesion to the underlying gold and allows the device to be peeled from the silicon substrate after the device has been completed.

 

The fabricated phase modulator device shows 117pm/V r33, using an 80V/um poling  field @130°C. This is the full poling efficiency expected from a single-layer EO film under these conditions. The technique is independent of any cladding material conductivities and allows the core chromophore layer to be as electrically conductive as desired.

For more current projects in progress, click to read my qualification exam paper.

Click here to view the qualification exam presentation.




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