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Optical modulator having a plurality of modulator segments

  • US 9,519,162 B2
  • Filed: 10/09/2015
  • Issued: 12/13/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/09/2014
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A modulator apparatus comprising:

  • an optical path comprising an optical input port receiving an optical carrier wave, an optical output port outputting a modulated optical signal, and a succession of serially optically coupled optical modulator segments extending between the input and output optical ports modulating the optical carrier wave so as to obtain the modulated optical signal;

    a plurality of segment drivers, wherein each segment driver has associated;

    a low voltage Vlow;

    a high voltage Vhigh;

    a unique offset voltage Vos; and

    a threshold voltage Vth;

    wherein each segment driver is electrically coupled to one of the succession of the modulator segments applies a driving voltage Vd thereto in response to a control voltage Vc, such that;

    Vd=Vlow when Vc<

    Vos

    Vth;

    Vd=Vhigh when Vc>

    Vos+Vth; and

    Vdvaries between Vlow and Vhigh when Vc varies between Vos

    Vth and Vos+Vth;

    an electrical input port receiving an electrical signal to be modulated onto the optical carrier wave to obtain the modulated optical signal;

    a plurality of electrical connections between the electrical input port and each segment driver.

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