Systematic design approach for optimized resonantly enhanced Mach-zehnder Modulators

Abstract

A systematic design approach using the developed numerical model for the investigation of any arbitrary electrooptic modulator configuration is described, and its application to the simulation and synthesis of resonantly enhanced Mach-Zehnder modulators (RE-MZMs) is demonstrated. The tool is implemented using equivalent circuit model using transmission lines, lumped elements, and N-port S-parameters. The numerical tool is used to simulate the modulation enhancement factor and radio frequency (RF) return loss of a number of theoretically and experimentally demonstrated examples. Finally, the design tool is used to synthesize a new optimized RE-MZM. This RE-MZM is fabricated and measured, and predicted results are compared.

Cascaded multicavity resonantly enhanced Mach-Zehnder modulator

“…The optimization was conducted at a single frequency of 20 GHz. The responses of the RE-MZMs were simulated by a numerical network model [11]. Fig.…”

“…The stub lengths were calculated from the equivalent inductive elements found in the previous section. When simulating the modulator response using the network model [11], the loss of the stubs was taken into account.…”

Sensitivity analysis of process variations for resonantly enhanced modulators on LiNbO/sub 3/

“…The buffer-layer thickness and electrode thickness are 0.2 and 30 µm, respectively. With the input and output terminations attached to form the resonant cavity, the optical response of a resonantly enhanced modulator is given by Visagathilagar et al [10] OR…”

“…The characteristics of the modulator electrode, including the microwave effective index, characteristic impedance, attenuation constant, and the inherent switching voltage for different variations of the electrode cross-sectional dimensions from their nominal values, are calculated. Then, the performance of the resulting resonantly enhanced modulators is predicted using a simulation model [10].…”