Apparatus and method for a single-port modulator having amplification
US5657148A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 7, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 7, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S5/50
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A single-port, reflective, optical modulator with internal amplification. In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the single-port modulator includes a semiconductor waveguide amplifier with a high reflector at one end. The single-port geometry reduces the high packaging cost associated with two-port modulators, while the internal amplification compensates for splitting and coupling losses. The single-port optical modulator generally includes an input/output port for receiving a light input signal. A modulation region for modulating the light input signal in response to an electrical drive signal is included along with an amplification region for providing amplification of the light input signal. The modulation region and the amplification region include a waveguide for directing the light input signal. A high reflector coupled at one end of the waveguide opposite the input/output port is operable to reflect the light input signal back toward the input/output port, wherein an amplified and modulated light signal is output therefrom.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.