Integrated electro-optical modulator/commutator with pass-band response

摘要

A modulator/commutator comprises two optical guide waves coupled to each other on a length and connected to an input guide by a Y junction. Electrodes are associated with each wave guide and enable the application of an interaction field on an interaction length. The optical and electrical waves have different propagation speeds. The interaction length and the coupling length are fixed so that their ratio has a value enabling an optical wave to successively experience the positive and negative alternations of an alternating field applied to the device by the electrodes, thus simulating a multiple-section operation. This device gives 100% efficiency of switching over to either of the two optical guides.