Resonant optical modulators with zero chirp

A communication system employing return-to-zero (RZ) modulation format, comprising:

• an RZ pulse generator comprising a resonant optical modulator, wherein the resonant optical modulator comprises:
• a substrate having an electrooptic effect;
• an optical waveguide formed in the substrate, wherein the optical waveguide comprises a first section for launching a laser light to be modulated, a first junction splitting the first section into first and second arm sections, a second junction joining the first and second arm sections, and a second section extending from the second junction for outputting a modulated form of the laser light;
• a loop-shaped electrode formed on the substrate and above the first and second arm sections;
• an RF electrode formed on the substrate and electrically coupled to the loop-shaped electrode for coupling power to the loop-shaped electrode;
• and
• a ground electrode associated with the RF electrode and formed on the substrate to substantially surround the first electrode, wherein an electric field resonates between the loop-shaped electrode and the ground electrode in response to the power coupled from the RF electrode.

A wavelength division multiplexed optical transmission system, comprising:

• an optical phase modulator;
• an optical attenuator;
• an optical data modulator;
• and
• a resonant optical modulator, wherein the resonant optical modulator comprises:
• a substrate having an electrooptic effect;
• an optical waveguide formed in the substrate, wherein the optical waveguide comprises a first section for launching a laser light to be modulated, a first junction splitting the first section into first and second arm sections, a second junction joining the first and second arm sections, and a second section extending from the second junction for outputting a modulated form of the laser light;
• a loop-shaped electrode formed on the substrate and above the first and second arm sections;
• an RF electrode formed on the substrate and electrically coupled to the loop-shaped electrode for coupling power to the loop-shaped electrode;
• and
• a ground electrode associated with the RF electrode and formed on the substrate to substantially surround the first electrode, wherein an electric field resonates between the loop-shaped electrode and the ground electrode in response to the power coupled from the RF electrode.