Patent ID: 6239897
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
A method of controlling chirp in the modulation of an optical signal passing through an optical signal path in an optical modulator, the optical signal path comprising in succession an input wave guide, a splitter, a first pair of parallel phase modulation arms, a first coupler, a second pair of phase modulation arms, a second coupler and an output wave guide, said method comprising the steps of:applying different electric fields across said first pair of parallel phase modulation arms so as to produce different signal phase modulations in respective portions of said optical signal;applying different electric fields across said second pair of parallel phase modulation arms so as to produce different signal phase modulations in respective portions of said optical signal; andpredetermining the magnitudes of said electric fields so as to control chirp in said optical signal and to promote modulation linearity by said optical modulator.