Polarization-insensitive, electro-optic modulator
US5751867A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 1996 |
| Grant date | May 12, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2203/06
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An intensity modulator having a Mach-Zehnder structure with first and second waveguide arms formed of an electro-optic polymer. The active molecules of the waveguide arms are poled in first and second different and substantially orthogonal directions. Electrodes are arranged to receive a modulating voltage and generate first and second electric fields which are respectively aligned with the first and second directions. As a consequence, the modulation depth of an optical signal which is transmitted through the modulator is substantially insensitive to the polarization of the signal. Other embodiments combine mode splitters and combiners with first and second Mach-Zehnder modulators which have electro-optic polymer waveguides. The active molecules of the arms of the two Mach-Zehnder modulators are poled in orthogonal directions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.