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What is the Pockels Effect?
The Pockels effect is a linear electro-optic effect in which the refractive index of a material changes proportionally to an applied electric field. This allows the phase, intensity, or polarization of light to be controlled using an electrical signal.
The effect is particularly important in lithium niobate (LiNbO₃), a widely used material for high-speed electro-optic modulators.
HOW the Pockels Effect Works
The Pockels effect works by using an applied electric field to produce a proportional change in the refractive index of an electro-optic material. This change modifies the phase of light traveling through the material and can be used to modulate an optical signal.
Electric field application
An electrical voltage is applied to the electro-optic material.
Refractive index modulation
The applied electric field produces a change in refractive index that is proportional to the field strength.
Optical modulation
The resulting phase change can be converted into variations in the intensity or polarization of light, enabling high-speed optical modulation.
