Elektrooptiskas

Elektrooptiskas refers to the science and technology of using electric fields to control light. It encompasses physical phenomena, materials, devices, and systems that enable manipulation of optical amplitude, phase, polarization, and direction through electric stimuli. The field overlaps optics, electronics, and materials science and is central to modern photonics.

The primary electro-optic effects are the Pockels effect (linear) and the Kerr effect (quadratic). In suitable crystals, an applied electric field changes the refractive index or rotates the optical indicatrix, allowing fast modulation of light. Devices translate electrical signals into optical changes, enabling high-speed modulation in communications, laser control, and imaging.

Common devices include electro-optic modulators, phase and amplitude modulators, optical switches, and isolators. Materials of choice include lithium niobate and lithium tantalate for waveguides, electro-optic polymers, and emerging thin-film platforms such as lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI). Performance depends on half-wave voltage Vπ, bandwidth, insertion loss, and power handling.

Applications span fiber-optic communications, LiDAR, display technology, adaptive optics, and quantum information systems. Challenges include reducing drive voltages, mitigating photorefractive effects, achieving wide temperature stability, and integrating EO components with compact photonic circuits. Ongoing research explores new materials, hybrid integration, and ultrafast electro-optic processes for terahertz signals and beyond.