Linearized Bragg grating assisted electro-optic modulator

摘要

The invention provides a new linearized electro-optic modulator in which linearization is achieved by modulating the index of a Bragg grating reflector placed in the arm(s) of a Michelson Interferometer. This grating-assisted Michelson Interferometer (GAMI) modulator operates as either an intensity or amplitude modulator, and is shown to significantly improve the linearity of microwave photonics links. Furthermore, this modulator improves the performance of optical communication systems using advanced modulation formats.

主权项

1. An optical modulator, comprising:
a Michelson interferometer having an optical amplitude divider having four ports; a first port being an optical input; a second and a third port being connected to a first and a second interferometric arms; the fourth port being an optical output; at least one of the interferometric arms is terminated by a first Bragg grating; the first Bragg grating is made from a material whose refractive index is variable upon applying a time variable electrical signal; and a first pair of electrodes applying the time variable electrical signal to the first Bragg grating, further comprising a phase shifter applying a phase shift in one of the arms, the phase shifter introduces a 90-degrees round trip phase shift; thus the modulator producing an intensity modulated optical signal.