Thanks PG The question i have always had is what photon-detecting material is used to catch the LWLG fastballs (Rx) and convert them back to the electron stream
Here is a diagram of a complete photonics link from Tx to Rx for an intensity modulator (AM modulation). There are more components than what I show in this simplified block diagram, but you get the idea.
As mentioned in previous post, "The receive path uses either a photo-detector (AM modulation) or a phase discriminator (phase modulation) to recover the data signal from the transmitted lightwave signal being sent from a remote location over fiber." A photo-detector (PD) is typically a specific type of diode called an avalanche diode. They used to primarily be made from GaAs, but now speedier materials are being researched and used. For example, here is a link to a II-IV 100GHz PD that I suspect is made from InP (the document does not describe the material used).
Phase modulation (PM modulation) is typically used for long-haul networks (>10km). PM modulation requires a phase discriminator as mentioned above instead of a simple photodetector. Phase discriminators are more complex (and expensive).
I don't know if LWLG's polymers can be doped to act as a semiconductor, which would be necessary to form a diode with a P-N junction. If so, that would be a very interesting development. That would open the door to an entirely new set of components, not just modulators and waveguides.
AI
