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Very low voltage single drive domain inverted LiNbO(3) integrated electro-optic modulator.
Optics Express
|June 24, 2009
Summary
Domain inversion in lithium niobate waveguide modulators significantly enhances performance. This technique achieves push-pull operation with low switching voltages, enabling high-speed data transmission using affordable drivers.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and optical engineering
- Materials science of ferroelectrics
Background:
- Lithium niobate (LiNbO3) is a key material for electro-optic modulators.
- Traditional Mach-Zehnder modulators face limitations in switching voltage and efficiency.
- Achieving push-pull operation typically requires complex electrode configurations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To improve the performance of waveguide electro-optic modulators.
- To reduce the switching voltage required for modulation.
- To enable high-speed data transmission using cost-effective components.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing domain inversion in z-cut LiNbO3.
- Placing waveguide arms in oppositely oriented domains.
- Employing a single, narrower electrode for efficient electric field application.
Main Results:
- Achieved push-pull operation by subjecting waveguide arms to the same electric field.
- Obtained switching voltages close to 2 V.
- Demonstrated the potential for 10Gb/s modulation.
Conclusions:
- Domain inversion offers a simple yet effective method to enhance electro-optic modulator performance.
- Low switching voltages enable the use of inexpensive drivers.
- This approach paves the way for more accessible high-speed optical communication systems.
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