Patent ID: 8903202
Filing Date: 2014-12-02
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
1. A Mach-Zehnder optical modulator for modulating an input optical beam according to an electrical modulation signal, the Mach-Zehnder modulator comprising an optical structure dividing the input optical beam into two optical beam components propagating in two optical waveguides branches, respectively, and recombining said optical beam components downstream the optical waveguides branches, the Mach-Zehnder modulator further comprising: a travelling wave electrode modulating a relative phase of the optical beam components, said travelling wave electrode comprising a signal transmission line conductor coupled to one of the optical waveguide branches and conveying the input electrical signal, and a ground transmission line conductor providing a return path for the input electrical signal; a ground strip conductor extending substantially in parallel to the ground transmission line conductor; and a distributed bridging structure electrically connecting the ground strip conductor and the ground transmission line conductor along a substantial portion of a length thereof.