Abstract

Electro-optic modulation rather than acousto-optic modulation of waveguides and fibers is required in order to obtain high speed. Ideally, this process would be carried out in the optical fiber itself, or in a fused silica waveguide with a low temperature coefficient of phase delay, low loss, and the capability of being used for blue or UV light. However, since fused silica is not normally an electro-optic material, the only electro-optic modulators that have been made in waveguides are normally in materials like LiNbO₃, which cannot be used at the short wavelength end of the spectrum because of the optical damage caused by energetic photons.

© 1993 Optical Society of America