Optical Modulator Utilizing Unary Encoding And Auxiliary Modulator Section For Load Balancing

A silicon-based optical modulator for transmitting a unary-encoded digital data signal, the modulator comprising:

• an input waveguiding section for receiving a continuous wave (CW) optical input signal;
• an input optical splitter, coupled to the output of the input waveguiding section for dividing the CW optical input signal into a pair of CW optical input signals;
• a pair of optical waveguides coupled to the outputs of the input optical splitter and forming a pair of modulator arms;
• a first plurality of N modulating sections disposed along a first modulator arm of the pair of modulator arms;
• a second plurality of N modulating sections disposed along a second, remaining modulator arm of the pair of modulator arms;
• a plurality of drivers, coupled to the first and second pluralities of N modulating sections, said plurality of drivers responsive to input signals representing a unary-encoded data signal for turning “on” and “off” various ones of the separate modulating sections as required to contribute a desired phase shift to the propagating optical signal;
• an output optical combiner for combining the pair of phase-shifted propagating optical signals into a unary-encoded modulated optical output signal;
• and
• an output waveguiding section coupled to the output optical combiner for supporting the propagation of the unary-encoded modulated optical output signal.