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Integrated optical attenuator based on mechanical deformation of an elastomer layer

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Abstract

We propose an optical attenuator concept based on a polymer waveguide coupled to an elastomer thin film. The thickness of the elastomer layer can be controlled by Coulomb force-induced squeezing in a capacitor geometry. Thereby resonant coupling between the light modes in the waveguide and the elastomer layer is achieved. We predict close to 100% modulation contrast and about 40% transmission for an about 200 μm long device. In addition, we demonstrate experimentally a proof-of-principle of the attenuator device.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Physics and Erwin Schrödinger Institute for Nanoscale Research, Karl-Franzens-University, 8010, Graz, Austria

    N. Galler, H. Ditlbacher, A. Hohenau, A. Leitner, F. R. Aussenegg & J. R. Krenn

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  1. N. Galler
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  2. H. Ditlbacher
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  3. A. Hohenau
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  4. A. Leitner
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  5. F. R. Aussenegg
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  6. J. R. Krenn
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Correspondence to J. R. Krenn.

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Galler, N., Ditlbacher, H., Hohenau, A. et al. Integrated optical attenuator based on mechanical deformation of an elastomer layer. Appl. Phys. B 104, 931–934 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-011-4664-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-011-4664-3

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