Broad-band reflection traveling-wave LiNbO₃ modulator

Abstract

A velocity matched traveling-wave Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) in LiNbO/sub 3/ operating in reflection, is reported and drive voltages are compared to those for single-pass devices of the same length. The device achieves double-pass operation by simultaneously reflecting the optical and RF waves, Broad-band operation to 20 GHz with drive voltages from 0.5 to 1 V (<0.5 GHz) to /spl sim/4.5 V (at 20 GHz) is observed with the reflection device. This performance is superior to that of the single-pass device, which has drive voltages of 2.1 V (dc) to /spl sim/4.5 V (at 20 GHz).