electro-optical ceramics
Quick Summary
Electro-optical ceramics are advanced materials that combine optical transparency with voltage-variable optical properties. These materials exhibit electro-optical (EO) behavior, meaning their optical characteristics can be altered by applying an electric field.12
Key characteristics and applications include:
* Voltage-Dependent Birefringence: They show changes in refractive index based on applied voltage, which is fundamental to their function.1
* Applications: Used in high-speed optical communication devices such as switches, modulators, and demodulators.1
* Integration: Thin films of EO ceramics can be integrated with silicon semiconductors for optoelectronic integrated circuits (OEICs).1
Examples of electro-optical materials include single crystals like lithium niobate and lithium tantalate, and polycrystalline materials like PLZT (lanthanum-modified lead zirconate tantalate).1
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