Patent ID: 10641807

Abstract:
In an optical modulator capable of modulating incident laser beam L by a compound semiconductor single crystal having a property of generating an electro-optic effect, the attenuation of the signal strength in a low frequency band is prevented without lowering the carrier concentration of the compound semiconductor.The optical modulator 23 comprises: incidence limiting means 25 which is provided on or near an incidence plane 24a, on which the laser beam L can be incident, of the compound semiconductor single crystal 24 so as to limit incidence of light other than the laser beam L on the incidence plane 24a; and a shielding member 26 which is formed from a low-permittivity material having a light blocking effect, and covers a surface 24c of the compound semiconductor single crystal 24 extending along a traveling direction of the laser beam L that entered the compound semiconductor single crystal 24.