A polymer waveguide resonator device for high-frequency ultrasound
detection having a optical resonator coupled to a straight optical
waveguide which serves as input and output ports. Acoustic waves
irradiating the waveguide induce strain modifying the waveguide
cross-section or other design property. As a consequence, the effective
refractive index of optical waves propagating along the ring is modified.
The sharp wavelength dependence of the high Q-factor resonator enhances
the optical response to acoustic strain. High sensitivity is demonstrated
experimentally in detecting broadband ultrasound pulses from a 10 MHz
transducer.