Patent ID: 6717710
Filing Date: 2004-04-06
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
An electro-modulating device comprising a modulating element, the modulating element having a modulating medium for modulating light passing therethrough, an optical input-output surface by which light both enters the medium prior to modulation of the light and exits the medium after modulation of the light, a light reflector, and electrodes for applying an electric field across the modulating medium, wherein:the input-output surface, the medium and the reflector are arranged so that light enters the medium through the input-output surface, travels through the medium towards the reflector, is reflected by the reflector to travel back through the medium towards the input-output surface, and exits the medium through the input-output surface; the electric field is transverse to the direction of propagation of light traversing the medium between the input-output surface and the reflector; and the refractive index of the medium is responsive to the applied electric field so that the intensity and/or phase of the light exiting the input-output surface is dependent on the applied electric field, wherein the modulating element is formed from a section of semiconductor wafer and the modulating medium is formed from an active layer on or in the semiconductor wafer, the active layer having a plurality of edges and the input-output surface residing on an edge of the active layer, the electro-modulating device has a mounting surface on which there is mounted the modulating element, the mounting surface has securing means for securing the end portion of an optic fibre such that light from the fibre can be coupled into and out of the modulating medium through the input-output surface, and the mounting surface is formed from a silicon substrate having a V-groove etched thereon for receiving the end portion of an optic fibre.