• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.194-213
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• 2022

This study comprehensively reviewed four types of integrated-optic electric-field sensors based on titanium diffused lithium-niobate waveguides: symmetric and asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometers, 1×2 directional couplers, and Y-fed balanced-bridge Mach-Zehnder interferometers. First, we briefly explain the crystal properties and electro-optic effect of lithium niobate and the waveguide fabrication process. We theoretically analyzed the key parameters and operating principles of each sensor and antennas. We also describe and compare the design, simulation, implementation, and performance tests: dc and ac characteristics, frequency response, dynamic range, and sensitivity. The experimental results revealed that the sensitivity of the sensor based on the Y-fed balanced bridge Mach-Zehnder interferometer (YBB-MZI) was higher than that of the other types of sensors.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.223-231
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• 2023

An integrated-optical biochemical sensor structure that can perform homogeneous and surface sensing using a 2×2 balanced-bridge Mach-Zehnder interference structure based on the optimized SOI slot optical waveguide was described, and its performance and characteristics were evaluated. Equations for the two output optical powers were derived and examined using the transfer matrices of a 3-dB coupler and phase shifter (channel waveguide). The length of the 3-dB coupler was determined such that the two output optical powers were same using these formulas. In homogeneous sensing, the effect of the refractive index of an analyte in the range of 1.33-1.36 on the two output optical power distributions was numerically derived, and the sensitivity was calculated based on each output and the difference between the two outputs, the former and the latter being 7.5796-19.0305 [au/RIU] and 15.2601-38.1351 [au/RIU], respectively. In the case of surface sensing, the sensitivity range of the refractive index of 1.337 based on each of the two outputs was calculated as -2.2490--3.5854 [au/RIU] and 1.2194-3.8012 [au/RIU], and the sensitivity range of 4.8048-7.0694 [au/RIU] was confirmed based on the difference between the two outputs.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics and Information Engineers
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.29-35
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• 2016

We have demonstrated a $Ti:LiNbO_3$ electro-optic electric-field sensors utilizing a $1{\times}2$ Y-fed balanced-bridge Mach-Zehnder interferometric (YBB-MZI) modulator which uses a 3-dB directional coupler at the output and dipole patch antenna. The operation and design were proved by the BPM simulation. A dc switching voltage of ~16.6 V and an extinction ratio of ~14.7 dB are observed at a wavelength of $1.3{\mu}m$. For a 20 dBm rf power, the minimum detectable electric-fields are ~1.12 V/m and ~3.3 V/m corresponding to a dynamic range of about ~22 dB and ~18 dB at frequencies 10 MHz and 50 MHz, respectively. The sensors exhibit almost linear response for the applied electric-field intensity from 0.29 V/m to 29.8 V/m.