Modeling of Short Optical Pulse Generation Using Electroabsorption Modulators

Abstract

Ultra-short optical pulses synchronized to an electrical clock are required in ultra-high bit rate soliton transmission and optical signal processing systems. Use of sinusoidally-driven electroabsorption (EA) modulators is described to generate transform-limited optical pulses. We model pulse generation in sinusoidally-driven lumped-electorode EA modulators, defining a new device figure of merit. Generated optical pulse width is calculated as a function of extinction ratio slope for applied voltages 3dB bandwidth and sample length, and calculated results are compared with those reported for various modulator structures that include bulk modulators, InGaAs/InAlAs, and InGaAsP/InGaAsP multiple quantum well (MQW) modulators. This model is useful for designing and using EA modulators in optical short pulse applications.