Title :
Effect of intrinsic phase mismatch on linear modulator performance of the 1×2 directional coupler and Mach-Zehnder interferometer
Author :
Howerton, Matra McWright ; Bulmer, Catherine H. ; Burns, William K.
Author_Institution :
Sachs Freeman Associates, Landover, MD, USA
fDate :
8/1/1990 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The performance of 1×2 directional couplers and Mach-Zehnder interferometers as linear modulators is compared. Models describing the operation of each device, incorporating the intrinsic phase mismatch Δβ0 which is present in nonideal devices, are developed. Distributions of Δβ0 are obtained for each device and are shown to be independent of device type. Linear dynamic range and sensitivity measurements showing how Δβ0 affects performance agree with theory. The additional effect of the coupling coefficient in the 1×2 directional coupler is demonstrated. This information can be used to predict device yield when combined with the measured Δβ0 distributions
Keywords :
directional couplers; light interferometers; optical couplers; optical modulation; 1×2 directional coupler; Mach-Zehnder interferometer; coupling coefficient; device yield; intrinsic phase mismatch; linear dynamic range; linear modulator; nonideal devices; sensitivity measurements; Arm; Directional couplers; Dynamic range; Electrodes; Optical interferometry; Optical refraction; Optical sensors; Optical waveguides; Phase modulation; Voltage;
Journal_Title :
Lightwave Technology, Journal of
