Laser beam deflector based on a domain-inverted electro-optic polymeric waveguide prism array

We report the demonstration of a compact laser-beam deflector based on electro-optic prisms formed within a thin-film polymer waveguide. We fabricate planar waveguides using a polymer that can be readily poled and cured through the simultaneous application of a poling voltage and heat. The index of refraction of each prism in the cascade, but not of the surrounding polymer, is modulated by the electro-optic effect through the application of a drive voltage. A laser beam, to be deflected is coupled into and out of the planar waveguide by cylindrical lenses. The application of a drive voltage creates a sequence of prisms in the planar waveguide, which change the path of propagation of beam through the planar waveguide with a variable angle of refraction depending upon the voltage. The deflection efficiency is observed to be nearly 100% and the laser beam maintains its Gaussian intensity profile after propagating through the device.