Polymers in telecommunication devices

A new report discusses the use of polymers instead of, and in conjunction with, traditional platforms such as indium phosphide and ferroelectric ceramic lithium niobate.

Communication today is increasingly reliant on the manipulation of optical signals.

Where previously electronic circuits manipulated such signals, photonic circuits now take their place.

Devices are no longer limited only to the silicon wafer and often require broader functionality than can be offered on this traditional platform.

The new Rapra Review Report, "Polymers in telecommunication devices", discusses the use of polymers instead of, and in conjunction with, traditional platforms such as indium phosphide and ferroelectric ceramic lithium niobate.

Critical comparisons are made between use of polymers and alternative materials and it is shown that the use of no one material system dominates the field.

"Polymers in telecommunication devices" gives an overview of all the elements of optical transmission and switching systems that are used in telecommunications and is a fully interdisciplinary account of materials and device design issues.

The author considers the basic polymer material requirements and waveguide fabrication.

Both passive and active applications are discussed: polymer optical fibre, multi- and monomode planar waveguides, thermo-optics, electro-optics, nonlinear optics.

The author, Graham Cross, obtained his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Sheffield City Polytechnic.

First post-doctoral positions at GEC-Marconi Research were followed by a period at the Long Range Research group at GEC Hirst Research Centre in Wembley, North London, where he studied the nonlinear and electro-optical properties of Langmuir-Blodgett films.

Cross then moved to GEC's Marconi Research Laboratories at Great Baddow, Chelmsford, where he developed one of the first polymeric electro-optic modulators.

In 1990 he took up the position he now holds at Durham University.

His current interests include the nonlinear optical properties of polymers, optical waveguide sensors and polymer dispersed liquid crystal displays.

Rapra Review Reports contain a state-of-the-art review, written by an acknowledged expert in the field, together with several hundred of the most relevant references and abstracts identified from the Polymer Library database (www.polymerlibrary.com).

Thus they provide both a concise, readable introduction to the subject and the means of investigating key points in greater depth.

This Rapra Review Report will be of interest to anyone involved in the telecommunications industry and IT hardware specialists with an interest in telecommunications.

"Polymers in telecommunication devices" retails at GBP 80 (plus postage and packaging) and is available from Rapra Technology.

Back to top