Initial Characterization of an Electrooptic Grating Multiplier

Abstract

We have suggested a variety of planar integrated optical matrix-vector and matrix-matrix(1) multipliers based upon the successive diffraction of an optical beam to produce an analog intensity which is proportional to the product of the two diffraction efficiencies. The active elements employed in these devices are pairs of cascaded electrooptic grating modulators. In particular the so-called "herringbone" configuration, in which two modulators share a common spine, is a particularly compact and self-aligned structure. We report the first data characterizing such a structure and show how, on the basis of this data, the electrode design can be improved to reduce crosstalk and to improve dynamic range. We then indicate how the improved herringbone electrode can be used in a matrix-vector multiplier employing the engagement architecture(2).