An optically controlled modulator using a metal strip grating on a silicon plate for millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths

An optically controlled modulator using a metal strip grating on a silicon plate with an external electric field applied between the strips, has been developed as a quasi-optical high-speed modulator for millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths. The experimental results obtained at 52 GHz to 60 GHz show that the maximum modulation frequency in the inductive metal strip modulator can be increased from 4 kHz to 37 kHz by applying only 13 volts (E/spl sim/150 V/cm) to the strips. A higher modulation frequency is available for the metal strip modulator with a higher external electric field.