Next Generation Ultra-High Frequency Integrated EO Modulators

Abstract

Measurements of traveling wave modulators made from electrooptic polymer materials have now been extended to over 110 GHz using high frequency commercial probes. An optical heterodyne detection system (figure 1) has been developed to characterize those devices at high frequencies. The use of both YAG and tunable semiconductor lasers (tunable range of 8 THz) has helped to improve the detection range and sensitivity of the system. The frequency response of the system was limited only by the operation of our coplanar connecting probes.