Millimeter-wave electro-optical waveguide modulators based on calcium-barium-niobate thin-film

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The development of high-speed (>tens of GHz) integrated electro-optical (EO) modulators with improved performance (e.g. reduced operation voltage and associated lower power consumption, and potential for even higher speeds) represents a fundamental step forward for extra-broadband information modulation in future optical telecommunication systems and on-chip optical signal processing systems. To overcome the limitations of the present EO modulator technology, two main issues have to be addressed: (i) development of new thermally stable materials with high EO coefficient that also provide the ability of being integrated and (ii) investigation of new design concept (i.e. Substrate Integrated Circuits or SICs) that could be used up to hundreds of GHz. In this project, we propose to address these two scientific and engineering challenges. Capitalizing on a new thin film material, Calcium Barium Niobate (CBN), as well as on the new modulator design concept based on Substrate-Integrated Waveguide (SIW) structure, we propose to develop a novel class of integrated phase and amplitude EO modulators that could operate up to hundreds of GHz. Our specific objectives are: (i) optimize the optical and microwave characteristics of CBN thin films, (ii) design and analyze CBN-based phase and amplitude EO modulators and (iii) fabricate and optimize CBN-based phase and amplitude EO modulators. We are convinced that the new concepts proposed here are world-class contributions to the advancement of devices that are at the heart of integrated photonics. This multidisciplinary project builds on a full combination of capabilities of three research teams at INRS-EMT, Ecole Polytechnique and University of Montreal towards the interest of unique industrial partners, MPB Communications and O/E Land. It will train 1 M.Sc. student, 3 PhD students and 2 PDFs in domains with high scientific and technological impact. The research is obviously precompetitive, but if successful, it will bring a real benefit to Canada by allowing new solutions for high-speed and high-capacity communications. Clearly, this presents strategic importance and relevance to the future needs of various Canadian industries.