Project

Chemical solution deposition of epitaxial BaTiO3 thin films: a pathway towards high speed modulators

Code
3S041219
Duration
01 November 2019 → 31 October 2023
Funding
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Solid state chemistry
    • Inorganic chemistry not elsewhere classified
    • Chemical characterisation of materials
  • Engineering and technology
    • Materials synthesis
Keywords
thin films
 
Project description

Our digital world is growing at great speed implying the constant need for improving the network quality, broadening band widths allowing fast data traffic. Electro-optical modulators are used in these state-of-the-art networks and are much faster that classic electrical switches. Tuned constructive and destructive interaction of light waves is achieved by changing the refractive index of the modulator material. A piezoelectric material as Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 is often used in these kind of modulators. These systems use lead-based precursors stimulating the search for “greener” and “superior” alternatives. We aim at the integration of a material with high Pockels coefficient for electro-optical modulation on state-of-the-art SiN photonic platforms by a low-cost and efficient methods paving the path towards industrial integration. In this project, we investigate the integration of lead-free epitaxial BaTiO3 thin films on SiN photonic platforms by using an intermediate seed La2O2CO3 layer locally deposited by ink-jet printing as the chemical solution deposition technique of choice. This allows the construction of a 2D electro-optic thin BaTiO3 layer pattern on SiN platforms without the use of additional etching steps.