Abstract: The low voltage operation of this electro-optic modulator is realized by a unique system configuration in which the input light beam is first separated into two linearly polarized components of equal intensity, the beams are then focused into two crystals where the beams propagate as pure E waves, the crystals are electrically modulated and the output beams from each crystal are then recombined and recollimated. The low voltage operation is rendered possible by the fact that there is no cancellation between the E and O components as in conventional modulation systems of this type since both beams are transmitted as pure E waves during the modulation process.

Abstract: A laser diode is soldered between metal plates for intimate thermal and electrical contact. The plates are prefabricated and are provided with an insulative spacer therebetween. The two metal plates are held together in a preferred orientation by the spacer which is firmly adhered and sealed to the two plates during the diode soldering operation. The metal plates are constructed from material thin enough that they yield under thermal pressure of the diode to eliminate mechanical strain on the diode during thermal cycling. Backup plates are provided in contact with the diode mounting plates to feed electrical energy thereto.