Importance

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Abstract

The present Specification is directed to devices for controlling the phase of a light signal in a surface waveguide of a planar-lightwave circuit by controlling a stress in the waveguide material. Phase controllers disclosed can impart stresses of opposite signs in a material such that a desired effect on the refractive index of an optical material can be accentuated. As a result, a greater change in the refractive index of the material can be realized in a phase controller that requires less chip real estate and/or at lower voltages. In some embodiments, a phase-control module includes a pair of complimentary stress-optic phase controllers, one having electrodes disposed on the top and bottom of a piezoelectric layer, while the other has electrodes disposed only on top of the piezoelectric layer. As a result, the phase controllers impart stress of opposite sign in the material beneath them.

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First Claim