OPTICAL MODULATOR

摘要

The invention relates to an optically pumped multilayered modulator having surface-normal geometry. The multilayer structure comprises an absorber section through which an optical signal ( 401 ) to be modulated is coupled from an input ( 401 ) to an output ( 400 ). The multilayer structure further comprises control means for supplying a control signal for controlling the transmission characteristics of the absorber section. The control signal is generated by an in-plane waveguide-type laser integrated monolithically with the saturable absorption region. The in-plane control laser includes waveguide regions ( 405 ) and multiple-quantum-well layers ( 409 ) used as a gain medium. The laser beam is adapted to travel through the absorber section in order to modulate the transmission characteristics of the absorber section.