Modulator assembly
AssigneeAgilent Technologies, Inc.
InventorRichard Mark Ash
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modulator assembly for modulation of light, for use as part of an opto-electronic communication network, has a light modulator assembly comprising a modulator element comprising a modulating medium for modulating the intensity of light passing therethrough. A single electrode applies an electric field across the modulating medium and heats the medium. The medium has an absorption edge at a wavelength dependent on the temperature of the medium and the applied electric field. The electrode heats the modulating medium such that the wavelength of the absorption edge aligns with the wavelength of the light to be modulated.
Claims18
A light modulator assembly comprising
- a modulator element comprising a modulating medium for modulating the intensity of light passing therethrough;
- and means for applying an electric field across the modulating medium, the modulating medium having an absorption edge at a wavelength dependent upon the temperature of the medium and upon the applied electric field;
- and
- means for heating the modulating medium such that the wavelength of the absorption edge aligns with the wavelength of the light to be modulated, wherein said means for applying an electric filed comprises an electrode which also constitutes the means for heating the modulating medium.
A light assembly comprising
- a modulator element comprising a modulating medium for modulating the intensity of light passing therethrough;
- and means for applying an electric filed across the modulating medium, the modulating medium having an absorption range at a wavelength dependent on the temperature of the medium and upon the applied electric field;
- and
- means for heating the modulating medium such that the wavelength of the absorption edge aligns with the wavelength of the light to be modulated,
- and wherein the extinction ratio of an induced photocurrent in the modulating element is used in a feedback loop to set the drive current of the heating element.
A light modulator assembly comprising
- a modulator element comprising a modulating medium for modulating the intensity of light passing therethrough;
- the modulating medium having an absorption edge at a wavelength dependent upon temperature of the medium and upon electric field applied to the medium, and an electrode positioned and arranged for applying an electric field to the medium and for heating the medium such that the wavelength of the absorption edge aligns with the wavelength of the light to be modulated.
A light modulator assembly comprising
- a modulator element comprising a modulating medium for modulating the intensity of light passing therethrough;
- and an electric field applicator for applying an electric field across the modulating medium, the modulating medium having an absorption edge at a wavelength dependent upon the temperature of the medium and upon the applied electric field;
- a heater for heating the modulating medium such that the wavelength of the absorption edge aligns with the wavelength of the light to be modulated;
- and
- a feedback loop coupled to be responsive to the extinction ratio of an induced photocurrent in the modulating element for controlling drive current of the heating element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.