Configurable chirp Mach-Zehnder optical modulator
US5778113A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 7, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2203/25
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A multi-quantum-well Mach-Zehnder optical phase modulator selectively generates positive and negative frequency chirp. The modulator has an asymmetric input y-junction coupler and an asymmetric output y-junction coupler joined by interferometric arms defining two optical paths of unequal length so as to generate a fixed phase difference of .pi. or an integral odd multiple thereof. The modulator has electrodes on each arm for receiving modulating electric fields in a push-pull relationship. A control electrode is provided on one of the arms for receiving a control electric field. The modulator, when driven without any control electric field generates negative frequency chirp, and selectively generates positive frequency chirp in response to adjustment of the control electric field. As an alternative, the length differential between respective arms can be selected to generate a phase difference of .pi./2, in which case control electrodes are required on each of the interferometric arms. A method of selectively generating a modulated optical signal having selectively configurable frequency chirp is also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.