Optimization of integrated Mach-Zehnder interferometer modulator: electrical and optical studies

Abstract

Lithium niobate LiNbO/sub 3/ (LN) Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) modulators are a key in high-speed optical communication systems. The optimization of integrated Mach-Zehnder interferometer modulator is discussed in this paper. We have extensively characterized the drift phenomena in a typical MZI modulator as a function of time, temperature and optical power. We have carried out optical and electrical measurements of the characteristics of the passive component and the active component as well. We also took into account of other physical properties such as pyroelectric effect, photovoltaic effect and photoconductivity. The electrical characteristics of the wafer and component were investigated and reported here. We present here the first results of the simulations which were obtained in this frame. These predictions are then compared with the effective electric field in the different layers and its time behavior.