10 Gbit/s, 1.56 μm multiquantum well InP/InGaAsP Mach–Zehnder optical modulator

Analysis of Segmented Traveling-Wave Optical Modulators

“…In these previous works, the active modulation layer typically consisted of 20-30 quantum wells, with a total intrinsic layer thickness of 0.4 m. The MQW detuning energy was set around 60 meV to keep optical absorption loss low. With 600-m-long active length, this configuration was able to achieve a around 4-5 V, and the best bandwidth achieved was 15 GHz [21].…”

“…Therefore, it requires a thin active layer to provide a large electrical field, and the series push-pull may not be an efficient way because it halves the electric field in each optical waveguide. Most of the reported quantum-well-based MZM used lumped-element electrodes and single-arm modulation [21]- [24]. In these previous works, the active modulation layer typically consisted of 20-30 quantum wells, with a total intrinsic layer thickness of 0.4 m. The MQW detuning energy was set around 60 meV to keep optical absorption loss low.…”

“…In this case, the traveling-wave electrode can be used to improve the performance [3]- [6], [19]. The microwave transmission lines for most of the previously demonstrated traveling-wave EAMs (TWEAM) were built directly on top of the optical waveguides, and they generally had a low microwave impedance (20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30), slow microwave velocity, and large microwave loss. Fortunately, these devices were all short in length (200-300 m) so that the velocity mismatch and microwave loss were not severe problems.…”

Lossless Operation in InP Mach-Zehnder Modulator Monolithically Integrated with Semiconductor Optical Amplifier

“…Conventionally, lithium-niobate (LN) based modulators have been used in transmission systems. An InP Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) is attractive because it has a smaller chip size and lower driving voltage than an LN modulator [Rolland et al (1993); Yoshimoto et al (1999)]. Moreover, it has the potential for monolithic integration with a laser diode [J. S. Barton et al (2003)].…”

Recirculation-enhanced switching in photonic crystal Mach-Zehnder interferometers

“…Their wide range of uses and functionality has led to the fabrication of MZI devices in fibers [1], planar dielectric waveguides [2], rib waveguides [3], and more recently two-dimensional photonic crystal (PC) waveguides [4,5,6]. Although the morphology of all MZIs is the same regardless of type of waveguide in which they are formed, the operational characteristics can be strongly influenced by the waveguide and cladding properties.…”