Patent ID: 6795594
Filing Date: 2004-09-21
Classification: B82Y,G02F

Abstract:
A method of operating a non-linear Mach-Zehnder (MZ) optical modulator having first and second waveguide arms and corresponding first and second electrodes connected to the respective first and second waveguide arms, the method comprising:a) operating the non-linear MZ optical modulator in a duobinary modulation format by: i) biasing both waveguide arms via the corresponding first and second electrodes at a first value of V&pgr;/2 volts to obtain a duobinary â€˜offâ€™ output signal characteristic of a duobinary â€˜offâ€™ state; ii) biasing the first waveguide arm via the first electrode at zero volts and biasing the second waveguide arm via the second electrode at V&pgr; volts to obtain a first duobinary â€˜onâ€™ output signal characteristic of a first duobinary â€˜onâ€™ state; and iii) biasing the second waveguide arm via the second electrode at zero volts and biasing the first waveguide arm via the first electrode at V&pgr; volts to obtain a second duobinary â€˜onâ€™ output signal characteristic of a second duobinary â€˜onâ€™ state.