March 21, 2008, Bothell, WA--Photonic communications company Lumera Corporation received a contract from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory valued at approximately $2.2 million to fabricate low-driving-voltage, reliable electro-optic modulators using Lumera's organic polymers.
"Current concepts of phased-array radar and high-performance satellite systems require high-bandwidth electro-optic modulators with low driving voltages and wide bandwidths," said Raluca Dinu, VP, Electro-Optic Business Unit of Lumera. "Lumera's EO devices have made significant strides in reaching these very aggressive goals, and we look forward to meeting the Air Force's requirements over the course of the contract."
RF photonics, in which optical components and optical fiber are used to process and distribute high-speed electrical signals, may provide the high bandwidth, reduced weight and size, and the immunity to electromagnetic interference that are crucial for future high-performance satellites and phased-array radars. Due to the intrinsic dielectric properties of organic polymers and the great diversity of techniques used to design materials at the molecular level, electro-optic polymer devices are well suited to meeting these challenges.
For more information, visit www.lumera.com.