Optical modulators based on polymers.

摘要

This invention relates to a device for electrooptic modulation of an optical beam. The device is a laminate comprising a coherent film (2) of a conjugated polymer having semi-conducting properties as the active component laminated with two or more layers (1, 3) of electrically conducting, insulating or semi-conducting materials. At least the active component (2) in the laminate is capable of interacting with the optical beam when under the influence of an electric signal and thereby result in a modulated beam. Means are provided for (i) establishing electrical contact with one or more layers (1, 3) of the laminate so as to enable an electrical signal to be applied across the active component (2) and (ii) detection of the extent of modulation of the modulated beam emerging from the active component layer (2).