LOW-LOSS AND LOW-DRIVE-VOLTAGE ELECTROOPTICAL PHASE MODULATOR AT 10.6-MU-M

We present the experimental performance of a 16-mm-long phase modulator in the 10.6-μm wavelength range using the electro-optical effect in a InP/Ga0.47In0.53As-based rib waveguide. Making use of the Fabry–Perot behavior of this modulator due to reflections on the cleaved facets of the guide, we demonstrate a drive voltage lower than 100 V combined, for the first time to our knowledge in this range, with propagation losses of less than 1.6 dB/cm. Moreover, the bandwidth of this modulator is greater than 250 MHz. © 1990 Optical Society of America.