Patent ID: 7941011
Filing Date: 2011-05-10
Classification: G02F,H04B,H04L

Abstract:
1. A multilevel light intensity modulator comprising: a first light intensity modulating section having; a first branching section configured to branch input light into n (n is an integer of 2 or more), n first branching waveguides respectively connected to n branches of the first branching section, and a first coupling section connected to the n first branching waveguides to couple the branched lights; and n second light intensity modulating sections respectively formed on the n first branching waveguides, wherein the n second light intensity modulating sections respectively comprise; a second branching section configured to branch the first branching waveguide into two, a pair of second branching waveguides respectively connected to two branches of the second branching section, a second coupling section connected to the pair of second branching waveguides to couple the lights, an electrode formed along the pair of second branching waveguides, and a driving section configured to turn on/off the second light intensity modulating section by applying a binary electric signal to the electrode, and at least one of the second branching section and the second coupling section has a preset branching ratio different from a ratio of 0.5:0.5.