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What is the Electro-Optic Effect?
The electro-optic effect is the change in the optical properties of a material, such as its refractive index, when an external electric field is applied. This effect enables electrical signals to control the phase, amplitude, or polarization of light.
Electro-optic effects are fundamental to optical modulators and are particularly important in materials such as lithium niobate (LiNbO₃).
HOW the Electro-Optic Effect Works
The electro-optic effect works by using an applied electric field to modify the refractive index of an optical material, changing how light propagates through it. This allows electrical information to be transferred to an optical signal.
Electric field application
An electrical voltage is applied across the electro-optic material.
Refractive index change
The electric field modifies the material's refractive index through the electro-optic effect.
Optical modulation
The resulting change in the phase or propagation of light can be converted into controlled changes in optical intensity, phase, or polarization.
