Abstract: A high-efficiency electro-optic modulator with an equalized frequency response is described. The modulator includes an optical waveguide formed in an electro-optic material that propagates an optical signal along a first direction of propagation. An electrical waveguide is formed on the electro-optic material and positioned generally co-linear relative to the optical waveguide and in electromagnetic communication with the optical waveguide. The geometry of the electrical waveguide is selected to achieve a modulation efficiency at a frequency in a bandwidth of a digital spectrum. A compensation network is electrically coupled to the electrical waveguide at a junction. The compensation network reduces an electro-optic response of the electro-optic modulator below the mean frequency bandwidth of the digital spectrum, thereby causing an increase of the electro-optic response above the mean frequency of the digital spectrum.

Abstract: An electro-optic device including an optical waveguide formed in an electro-optic material that propagates an optical signal along a first direction of propagation is described. The device also includes an electrical waveguide formed in the electro-optic material and positioned co-linear relative to the optical waveguide and in electromagnetic communication with the optical waveguide, where the electrical waveguide also propagates the electrical signal in the first direction of propagation. A compensation network is electrically coupled to the electrical waveguide at a junction and propagates the electrical signal in a second direction of propagation that is substantially non-co-linear with the first direction of propagation.

Abstract: A co-planar waveguide interferometric electro-optic modulator that reduces the bias point sensitivity of the modulator to ambient temperature and to applied RF is described. The modulator includes a first and second waveguide that are formed in an electro-optic substrate. A RF electrode is positioned on the electro-optic substrate between the first and the second waveguide. A ground electrode that may include a slot is positioned proximate to the second waveguide. A guard ground electrode is positioned proximate to the first waveguide to sink heat from the RF electrode and may also balance the thermal stress in the two waveguides. A dielectric material may also be positioned proximate to the first waveguide to balance the thermal stress in the two waveguides.

Abstract: An optical pulse generator having a high order transfer function that comprises a first and a second nested interferometric modulator, each modulator comprising an optical input, an electrical input, a first arm, a second arm and an optical output. The second interferometric modulator is optically coupled into the second arm of the first interferometric modulator. The optical output of the first interferometric modulator generates pulses at a repetition rate that is proportional to a multiple of a frequency of an electrical signal applied to the electrical input of at least one of the first and second interferometric modulator and at a duty cycle that is inversely proportional to the order of the transfer function of the optical pulse generator. The multiple may be any integer equal to or greater than one.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for the stable control of electrooptic devices, such as for providing a stable bias point for operation of a lithium niobate interferometer-type modulator. The bias point of the modulator is thermally controlled by providing a selected difference in the temperatures of optical waveguide lengths of the interferometer. Heaters can be disposed with the lithium niobate substrate for transferring thermal energy with the optical waveguide lengths. A thermally conductive element can be disposed adjacent the optical waveguide lengths to act as “heat spreaders” to facilitate providing the selected difference in temperature. The invention also includes phase shifters, attenuators, and other optical devices formed from single and multiple optical waveguide lengths propagating separate optical beams.

Abstract: A substrate for use with integrated optical circuits. The substrate includes an input surface and an output surface for respectively receiving light to the substrate and transmitting light from the substrate. Lateral surfaces extend between the input and output surfaces. A light propagation path extends between the input and output surfaces. One or more cavities extend from the lateral surfaces to the interior of the substrate. The boundary between the cavities and the substrate bear an optical absorber. With this configuration, stray light within the substrate, e.g. from the input surface from the declined propagation path is absorbed by the absorbers before it can reflectively be transmitted back to the defined propagation path and output surface.