Patent ID: 6657769
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: B82Y,G02F,H04B

Abstract:
A low voltage optical phase modulator comprising:a splitter having an input, at least a first output, and a second output, said input receiving an optical signal on an optical carrier wherein said splitter splits said optical signal to both said first and second outputs; a phase adjustment element coupled to said output, said phase adjustment element producing a predetermined optical phase shift in said optical signal that is a fraction in length of an optical wavelength of said optical carrier to produce a phase shifted optical signal; a first electroabsorptive element coupled to said output, said first electroabsorptive element blocking transmission of said optical signal when said first electroabsorptive element is activated using a low voltage; a second electroabsorptive element coupled to said phase adjustment element, said second electroabsorptive element blocking transmission of said phase shifted optical signal when said second electroabsorptive element is activated using said low voltage; and an optical combiner having a first combiner input, a second combiner input, and a combiner output, said first combiner input coupled to said first electroabsorptive element and receiving said optical signal, said second combiner input coupled to said second electroabsorptive element and receiving said phase shifted optical signal wherein said optical combiner combines said optical signal and said phase-shifted optical signal to produce a binary encoded optical signal.