Micromechanical modulator having enhanced performance
First Claim
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1. A device for modulating an optical signal comprising:
- a substrate and a movable membrane separated by a gap, the gap defining an optical cavity, wherein,the substrate and the membrane are physically adapted to receive a voltage for generating a force sufficient for moving the movable membrane from a first position, maintained in the absence of the voltage, toward a second position closer to the substrate when voltage is applied, the change in position of the membrane causing a change in the gap and a change in device reflectivity,characterized in that, the membrane has a first reflectivity and the substrate has a second unequal reflectivity, the first and second reflectivities being selected to result in the device having an insertion loss of less than about 1.4 dB and an operating bandwidth greater than about 142 nm.
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Abstract
A modulator having low insertion and a broad operating bandwidth is disclosed. The modulator has a movable membrane that is spaced from a substrate. The reflectivity of the movable membrane, and the reflectivity of the subtrate/gap interface are unequal. In particular, relative to the membrane, the substrate has a lower reflectivity. Device finesse is dictated by the lower reflectivity "mirror," i.e., the substrate. The substrate configuration thus provides a broad operating bandwidth while the higher reflectivity membrane provides low insertion loss.
182 Citations
5 Claims
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1. A device for modulating an optical signal comprising:
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a substrate and a movable membrane separated by a gap, the gap defining an optical cavity, wherein, the substrate and the membrane are physically adapted to receive a voltage for generating a force sufficient for moving the movable membrane from a first position, maintained in the absence of the voltage, toward a second position closer to the substrate when voltage is applied, the change in position of the membrane causing a change in the gap and a change in device reflectivity, characterized in that, the membrane has a first reflectivity and the substrate has a second unequal reflectivity, the first and second reflectivities being selected to result in the device having an insertion loss of less than about 1.4 dB and an operating bandwidth greater than about 142 nm. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification