A hybrid electroabsorption modulator device for generation of high spectral-efficiency optical modulation formats

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• Integrated Optics
• Semiconductor Devices

Background:

• High spectral efficiency is crucial for advanced optical communication systems.
• Electroabsorption modulators and planar lightwave circuits are key components in optical signal generation.
• Developing hybrid devices can enhance performance and functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a novel hybrid integrated optic device combining electroabsorption modulators and a planar lightwave circuit.
• To demonstrate the device's capability for generating high spectral efficiency optical modulation formats.
• To evaluate the performance of the generated optical signals.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hybrid device integrating AlGaInAs/InP electroabsorption modulators with a silica-on-silicon planar lightwave circuit.
• Utilizing a four-arm optical interferometer design for modulation.
• Testing the device for generation of quadrature phase shift keyed (QPSK) optical signals.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated generation of 21.4 Gb/s QPSK optical signals.
• Achieved signal generation with low electrical data drive voltages (2Vpp).
• Attained a bit error rate of 10(-9) with an optical signal-to-noise ratio of approximately 18 dB.

Conclusions:

• The novel hybrid integrated optic device enables efficient generation of high spectral efficiency optical modulation formats.
• The device shows promise for high-speed optical communication applications.
• The demonstrated performance metrics highlight the potential of hybrid integration for advanced photonic systems.