Nonsymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometers used as low-drive-voltage modulators

Optical communications systems require fast optical modulators which are compatible with existing microwave-frequency drive circuits and which have low voltage requirements. The authors have designed and demonstrated a novel type of integrated optical modulator: a nonsymmetric Mach-Zehnder interfero...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of lightwave technology 1988-08, Vol.6 (8), p.1348-1351
Main Authors: Jackel, J.L., Johnson, J.J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Circuit properties
Communication switching
Electric, optical and optoelectronic circuits
Electronics
Exact sciences and technology
Integrated optics
Integrated optics. Optical fibers and wave guides
Low voltage
Microwave circuits
Microwave devices
Optical and optoelectronic circuits
Optical design
Optical fiber communication
Optical interferometry
Optical modulation
Switching circuits
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Summary:Optical communications systems require fast optical modulators which are compatible with existing microwave-frequency drive circuits and which have low voltage requirements. The authors have designed and demonstrated a novel type of integrated optical modulator: a nonsymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometer, which has both low switching voltage and efficient coupling to microwave-frequency drive circuits. In 2-cm-long devices, made in z-cut LiNbO/sub 3/, switching voltages of 3.2 V and better than 20-dB extinction ratio were measured at lambda =1.3 mu m. Device performance in the nonsymmetric devices was independent of the asymmetry, which indicates that devices of this kind are tolerant of fabrication variations.< >
ISSN:0733-8724
1558-2213
DOI:10.1109/50.4140