Lithium niobate modulator from room temperature to cryogenic conditions

• DOI: 10.1364/ol.551445
• Publication Date: 2025-01-31T19:01:01Z
• Authors: Chang Chang; Xiaoyu Hou; Weixiong Huang; Aoxue Zhang; Yuhan Sun; Haolan Li; Li Shen; Xiaochuan Xu; Yi Zou
• Keywords: Modulation (music)

Electro-optical (EO) modulators with lithium niobate waveguide are essential components in modern communication systems and quantum photonic applications. With the advancement of cryogenic integrated circuits, they have become critical for readout, enabling massive data transfer from superconducting electronics to room temperature environments. Here, we demonstrate an modulator based on a thin-film platform. The designed achieves tuning efficiency (Vπ · L) 3.84 V·cm at temperature. To investigate relationship between half-wave voltage temperature, gradually reduce observe 70% increase Vπ 8 K. Additionally, report photorefractive effect different temperatures. High-speed transmission is successfully demonstrated 8.5 K, showing modulator's capability operate across wide range, conditions.