Patent ID: 7403672

Claim:
A method for creating an integrated linear polarizer comprising: fabricating an electro-optical component comprising a bottom electrode, a bottom cladding layer, side cladding features, an electro-optic polymer layer, a top cladding layer, and a top electrode, the bottom electrode separated from the electro-optic polymer layer by the bottom cladding layer and the top electrode separated from the electro-optic polymer layer by the top cladding layer; heating the electro-optical component to greater than or equal to a first temperature; applying an electric field to the electro-optical component, the electric field created by a voltage differential between the top electrode and the bottom electrode; cooling the electro-optical component, wherein the electric field is maintained during the cooling; and removing the electric field when the electro-optical component reaches a temperature less than or equal to a second temperature, the second temperature less than the first temperature.