High-Performance Modulators Based on Indium Tin Oxide
Open AccessThe family of transparent conductive oxides encompasses the substanceknown as Indium Tin Oxide ( ITO ). This material has pervaded numerous aspects of modern life, with its applications ranging from forming integral parts of touchscreens in smartphones and watches to serving as optically transparent and electrically low-resistive contacts within the photovoltaic industry. This dissertation centers on two primary themes: (i) an in-depth exploration of ITO’s properties, and (ii) an examination of the photonic applications of ITO thin films. In addition, it presents a rigorous and repeatable ellipsometry analysis methodology. The final chapter outlines potential future directions for this research area. The organization of the dissertation is as follows: Chapter 1 lays the groundwork, comprehensively introducing the re- search context and reviewing existing literature on surface plasmonic po- lariton and waveguide structures. Chapter 2 discusses the preparation and characterization of ITO thin films, supplemented by further literature review findings. This chapter also introduces the instrumental tool of spectroscopic ellipsometry. Chapter 3 delves into the discussion of Epsilon-Near-Zero (ENZ ) based Electro absorption modulator optimization investigating both Photonic and Plasmonic modes. This chapter includes simulation results accompanied by theoretical ones. Chapter 4 explores the ITO -based Mach-Zehnder Interferometer-based modulator and the performance improvement using an asymmetric power splitter. vi Chapter 5 presents the application of ITO-based Nanocircuits. Chapter 6 summarizes the dissertation, weaving together the findings from each chapter into a cohesive narrative. In conclusion, this dissertation has provided a comprehensive and de- tailed investigation of ITO thin films, covering their properties, preparation methods, aging issues, and substrate dependency. The study’s notable contributions include exploring tailoring ITO to achieve optimal ENZ wave- lengths through post-thermal annealing, and its potential applications in nano-optical circuits and electric absorption modulators. The research has highlighted the effectiveness of ITO as a key active material in photonics applications and heterostructure devices operating in the ENZ region. The design and performance of an electro-optics modulator and strategies for optimization using an asymmetric splitting ratio power splitter have been presented. The knowledge gained lays a solid foundation for future research in ITO thin films and their potential applications, particularly in photonics. Overall, this study offers a promising avenue for developing advanced op- tical and electronic devices, providing valuable insights that could lead to significant advancements in the field of photonics and beyond.
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