Patent ID: 6590691
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
A modified optical modulation system, said modified optical modulation system being configured to replace an unmodified optical modulation system including an unmodified electrical driver and an unmodified traveling-wave modulator using a standard interface impedance therebetween, each of which systems is configured for modulating an input optical signal in response to at least one input electrical signal to produce a modulated optical signal, said modified optical modulation system comprising:a modified electrical driver for amplifying the input electrical signal to produce a modified drive signal; and a modified traveling-wave modulator for receiving said modified drive signal and said input optical signal for use in modulating said input optical signal, said modified traveling-wave modulator including a modified modulator impedance which is selected irrespective of said standard interface impedance to velocity match, at least to an approximation, an electrical signal velocity of the modified drive signal in the modified traveling-wave modulator to an optical mode velocity, at which the input optical signal travels during modulation in the modified traveling-wave modulator.