Traveling-wave modulator using a gelatin-based E-O polymer waveguide

An electro-optic intensity modulator using a gelatin-based EO polymer waveguide has been built and characterized. This EO modulator is constructed from a nitrophenol/gelatin guest/host poled polymer system. Vpi and (gamma) 33 of 25 V and 38 pm/V are obtained, respectively. This is the first demonstration of an active EO device using electro- optic gelatin. Integration of the modulator with a traveling-wave electrode structure to increase the modulation speed is under investigation. Preliminary studies have shown electrical modulation bandwidths of up to 40 GHz.