All-fiber optic intensity modulators using liquid crystals

A novel configuration for single-mode all-fiber optic, liquid crystal based intensity modulation is suggested. The electrodes have the form of two thin indium tin oxide films, one of which is directly deposited on top of the polished face of the optical fiber. Intensity modulation using nematic and ferroelectric liquid crystal is demonstrated showing that the device offers the potential for low loss (<0.5 dB), high modulation depth (>20 dB), and moderate drive voltages for frequencies up to several megahertz at 633-nm wavelength.