Electro-optic modulator utilizing copper-tungsten electrodes for improved thermal stability and method of forming the same

A method of forming an electro-optic modulator, comprising:

• providing a single crystal element that exhibits changes in internal birefringence in response to an applied voltage, the single crystal element having opposing first and second major surfaces and exhibiting a material-specific coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE);
• forming a pair of electrodes of a CuW metal matrix composite with a W/Cu ratio selected to form electrodes having a CTE that substantially matches the CTE of the single crystal element;
• disposing a first electrode of the pair of electrodes on a first major surface of the single crystal element;
• and
• disposing a second electrode of the pair of electrodes on a second, opposing major surface of the single crystal element. coupled to the opposing major surfaces of the single crystal element.