Abstract: | The finite difference method is employed for the Laplace equation to calculate the microwave properties of polymer-based electro-optic modulators. The finite difference scheme uses a nonequidistant grid for fast calculation of the mode index and characteristic impedance of an open micro striplike modulator with a thick electrode as well as for a shielded micro striplike structure. It is demonstrated that the finite thickness of the electrode must be taken into consideration when optimizing the design of an electro-optic modulator. It is shown that by using a shielded microstrip configuration the modulator may be optimized and simultaneously pacified with regard to environmental influence. |