Sumitomo Chemical and Kyushu University jointly verified an optical modulator using a KNN thin-film substrate, demonstrating high optical modulation efficiency and ultrahigh-speed operation exceeding 180 Gbps. The two parties divided responsibility for fabricating the thin-film substrate and designing and evaluating the device as they proceeded with the verification.
Sumitomo Chemical, in cooperation with Kyushu University, verified the potential of using KNN (potassium sodium niobate) as a key material for optoelectronic integrated devices. The two parties conducted the joint research under a structure in which Sumitomo Chemical fabricated the KNN thin-film substrate, while Kyushu University handled the design, fabrication and performance evaluation of optical modulator devices using the substrate.
The verification indicated the promise of KNN as a key material for optical modulators for co-packaged optics. The experimental results demonstrated high optical modulation efficiency and ultrahigh-speed operation at 180 Gbaud. This suggested the material’s applicability to next-generation optoelectronic integrated devices.
The article contains no specific comments on future prospects, and further developments from the joint research are awaited.