POLARIZATION-INSENSITIVE, ELECTRO-OPTIC MODULATOR

摘要

An intensity modulator (20) having a Mach-Zehnder structure with first and second waveguide arms (42, 44) formed of an electro-optic polymer (30). The active molecules of the waveguide arms are poled in first and second different and substantially orthogonal directions (82, 84). Electrodes (64, 66, 68) are arranged to receive a modulating voltage (70) and generate first and second electric fields which are respectively aligned with the first and second directions. As a consequence, the modulation depth of an optical signal (28) which is transmitted through the modulator is substantially insensitive to the polarization of the signal. Other embodiments combine mode splitters and combiners with first and second Mach-Zehnder modulators which have electro-optic polymer waveguides. The active molecules of the arms of the two Mach-Zehnder modulators are poled in orthogonal directions.