

Optical Intensity Modulators
Predominant Types


12




V
RFIn
LiNbO3 or Polymer
Mach-Zehnder
Electro-Optic
Modulator

Laser
PI
PO
PI
PO
L I







V
RFIn
Semiconductor
Mach-Zehnder
Electro-Optic
Modulator

Laser










PI
PO


PI
PO









V
RFIn
Semiconductor
Electro-
Absorption
Modulator
Laser


PI
PO
PI
PO


V
V
V
L I
L I
Most mature technology,
Cost: $2,000 + $1,000 for laser
Newer technology
Cost: ?
(few vendors)
Cost: $1,040 including laser
No even-order distortion products if biased at inflection point!