US4266850A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Integrated bias for waveguide amplitude modulator
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1980-01-28
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Granted: 1981-05-12
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Expires: 2000-01-28
Abstract
Abstract An interferometric waveguide amplitude modulator for conducting optical egy, and having an integral means for producing a linear response to a small applied voltage (approximately less than 100 volts), includes a first waveguide arm which has an increased physical length relative to a second waveguide arm, the increase Δ being defined by Δ=π/(2Kn), where K=2π/λ and K is the free-space wavevector, λ is the free-space wavelength of the optical energy and n is the index of refraction of the waveguide material. The increase, Δ, provides an integral bias of π/2 radians to the modulator for producing a linear response to a small applied voltage.
Inventors
- 👤 William K. Burns
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:33
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/21; G02F1/225; G02F2203/00; G02F2203/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
An interferometric, waveguide, amplitude modulator for conducting optical energy, comprising: first and second waveguide arms, said arms having a common input and a common output, said first waveguide arm having an increased physical length, Δ, relative to said second waveguide arm, said length Δ being defined by Δ=π/(2Kn), where K=2π/λ, said K being the free-space wavevector, λ is the free-space wavelength of the optical energy, and n is the index of refraction of a material from which said modulator is made, said length, Δ, providing an integral phase bias of π/2 radians to said modulator for producing a linear response to a small (approximately less than 100 volts) applied voltage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
An interferometric, waveguide, amplitude modulator for conducting optical energy, comprising: first and second waveguide arms, said arms having a common input and a common output, said first waveguide arm having an increased physical length, Δ, relative to said second waveguide arm, said length Δ being defined by Δ=π/(2Kn), where K=2π/λ, said K being the free-space wavevector, λ is the free-space wavelength of the optical energy, and n is the index of refraction of a material from which said modulator is made, said length, Δ, providing an integral phase bias of π/2 radians to said modulator for producing a linear response to a small (approximately less than 100 volts) applied voltage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The modulator of claim 1 wherein said material is titanium-diffused lithium niobate (Ti:LiNbO 3 ).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
169 words
An interferometric, waveguide, amplitude modulator comprising: first and second elongated light-guiding means originating from a first common elongated light-guiding means, and terminating at a second common elongated light-guiding means, a first portion, X, of said first elongated light-guiding means branching at an angle, θ, from the axis of said first common elongated light-guiding means, a second portion, X, of said first elongated light-guiding means branching at an angle, θ, from the axis of said second common elongated light-guiding means, said first portion, X, projecting a length, d, along said axis of the first common elongated light-guiding means, said second portion, X, projecting a length, d, along said axis of the second common elongated light-guiding means, said first elongated light-guiding means having an increased physical length, Δ, relative to said second elongated light-guiding means, said length Δ being defined by ##EQU2## said length, Δ, providing an integral phase bias of π/2 radians to said modulator for producing a linear response to a small (approximately less than 100 volts) applied voltage.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
169 words
An interferometric, waveguide, amplitude modulator comprising: first and second elongated light-guiding means originating from a first common elongated light-guiding means, and terminating at a second common elongated light-guiding means, a first portion, X, of said first elongated light-guiding means branching at an angle, θ, from the axis of said first common elongated light-guiding means, a second portion, X, of said first elongated light-guiding means branching at an angle, θ, from the axis of said second common elongated light-guiding means, said first portion, X, projecting a length, d, along said axis of the first common elongated light-guiding means, said second portion, X, projecting a length, d, along said axis of the second common elongated light-guiding means, said first elongated light-guiding means having an increased physical length, Δ, relative to said second elongated light-guiding means, said length Δ being defined by ##EQU2## said length, Δ, providing an integral phase bias of π/2 radians to said modulator for producing a linear response to a small (approximately less than 100 volts) applied voltage.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-05-11 | 1984-11-10 | 1985-05-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-05-11 | 1988-11-10 | 1989-05-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-05-11 | 1992-11-10 | 1993-05-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |