The Photonic Crystal-Based Optical Waveguide Modulator

The technology developed is a photonic crystal-based optical waveguide modulator. This invention pertains to the field of photonic ban gap technology that permits the virtually lossless unidirectional propagation and phase shift of light. A waveguide has upper and lower cladding regions. A core of the waveguide made of a non-linear optical polymer is positioned between the upper and lower cladding regions. A first electrode is connected to the upper cladding region and a second electrode is connected to the lower cladding region. The upper cladding region and the lower cladding region are made of photonic band gap materials and have multiple periods of cladding layers with each period having a first layer having a linear refractive index of n.sub.1 and each period having a second layer having a linear refractive index of n.sub.2. The waveguide allows for minimal distances to exist between the electrodes while allowing for virtual lossless cm-long transmission of propagating light. By applying a voltage to the electrodes, the propagated light can be modulated. Benefits Enhanced mill grinding Expanded imaging options through interchangeable optical devices Centralized or local image enhancement center Core is made of non-linear optical polymer Marketability This Technology has a variety of potential applications including video imaging, surveillance equipment, and medical devices/screens for the defense, security, medical and industrial sectors