Low-driving voltage polymer modulators with applications in space missions

Low V π modulators are desirable in RF photonic and phased array radar applications. In general, there is still a need for optical modulators that have lower drive voltage, lower loss, and large bandwidth to decrease complexity, expense, and size in other parts of the packaged transmission system. This is particularly important for space based applications where reducing launch weight is crucial. Polymer modulators potentially enable space-based RF photonics because low V π can be achieved by modifying the organic constituents of the material. Additionally, polymers tend to have relatively low loss tangent and good RF-optical velocity match, which enables broadband devices. One fundamental issue for polymer modulator usability in space is the resistance of the materials to radiation. Previous reports have shown a small but measurable change in modulator properties on irradiation with gamma-rays and protons. Herein we report on the fabrication of polymer modulators, the results of irradiation, and potential lifetimes in earth orbits.