40 GHz Multi-Band Lithium Niobate Phase Modulator
Abstract
The 40 GHz Multi-Band Lithium Niobate (LiNbO₃) Phase Modulator is a
high-performance electro-optic device designed for high-speed
optical communication, quantum optics, microwave photonics, and
advanced optical signal processing. It enables precise control of
the phase of an optical signal by applying an external RF (radio
frequency) signal, making it a critical component in modern
photonic systems.
Leveraging the superior electro-optic properties of lithium
niobate, this phase modulator supports multi-band operation,
allowing efficient modulation across a wide range of optical
wavelengths and RF frequencies. Its capability to operate at
frequencies up to 40 GHz makes it ideal for applications requiring
ultra-fast signal modulation and low signal distortion.
Working Principle
The 40 GHz lithium niobate phase modulator operates based on the
Pockels effect, which describes the change in the refractive index
of a material in response to an externally applied electric field.
By integrating a microwave electrode onto a lithium niobate
waveguide, the device effectively modulates the phase of a
transmitted optical signal.
Input Light: A continuous-wave (CW) laser signal is injected into the
modulator’s optical waveguide.
RF Signal Application: A high-frequency RF signal (up to 40 GHz) is applied to the
modulator’s electrodes, inducing a rapid change in the refractive
index of the lithium niobate waveguide.
Phase Modulation: The optical wave experiences a phase shift proportional to the
applied RF voltage, enabling precise phase modulation of the
optical signal.
Output Signal: The phase-modulated optical signal exits the device, carrying
encoded information that can be used for high-speed communications
and advanced optical applications.
Key Features
The 40 GHz Multi-Band Lithium Niobate Phase Modulator boasts
several advanced features, including:
High Bandwidth: Supports modulation up to 40 GHz, suitable for
high-speed optical communications.
Multi-Band Compatibility: Operates efficiently across multiple
optical bands, including C-band (1530-1565 nm) and L-band
(1565-1625 nm).
Low Insertion Loss: Provides high optical transmission efficiency
with minimal signal attenuation.
High Linearity and Low Distortion: Ensures minimal signal
degradation, making it ideal for advanced modulation formats such
as QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) and QAM (Quadrature
Amplitude Modulation).
Stable and Reliable Performance: Lithium niobate is known for its
excellent thermal and mechanical stability, ensuring reliable
operation under various environmental conditions.
Compact and Lightweight Design: Allows for easy integration into
optical communication and photonic systems.
Applications
Optical Communications
Used in coherent optical communication systems for high-speed data
transmission in 400G, 800G, and beyond.
Supports advanced modulation schemes such as PM-QPSK (Polarization
Multiplexed Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) and QAM (Quadrature
Amplitude Modulation) for maximizing spectral efficiency.
Key component in optical transmitters for Dense Wavelength Division
Multiplexing (DWDM) systems.
Quantum Optics & Quantum Communication
Essential for generating and manipulating quantum states of light
in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems.
Used in quantum information processing for precise optical phase
control.
Supports entangled photon generation and phase-sensitive quantum
experiments.
Microwave Photonics & RF Signal Processing
Enables RF-over-fiber (RFoF) systems, where high-frequency signals
are transported over optical fibers with minimal loss.
Used in optical phased array antennas for beamforming in satellite
communications and radar systems.
Facilitates signal up-conversion and down-conversion in microwave
photonic links.
Optical Sensing & Metrology
Employed in fiber optic gyroscopes (FOGs) for precise rotational
measurements.
Used in high-resolution optical interferometry for metrology and
spectroscopy applications.
Enhances distributed fiber optic sensing for structural health
monitoring and environmental sensing.
Technical Specifications
| LNP6118 |
| Optical Specifications | Min | Typical | Max |
| Operating Wavelengtha | 1260 nm | / | 1625 nm |
| Insertion Loss(1310 nm) | / | 5.0 dB | 5.5dB |
| Insertion Loss(1550 nm) | / | 4.0 dB | 4.5 dB |
| Optical Return Loss | 40 dB | / | / |
| Optical Input Power (Extraordinary Mode) | / | / | 100 mW |
| Optical Input Power (Ordinary mode) | / | / | 10mWb |
| RF Electrical Specificationsc | Min | Typical | Max |
| E/O Bandwidth (-3 dB) | / | 35 GHz | / |
| Operating Frequency Range | DC to 40 GHz(Minimum) |
| RF Vπ(@10 GHz) | / | 7.0V | / |
| RF Vπ(@30 GHz) | / | 8.5V | 9.5V |
| S11(DC to 25 GHz) | / | -12 dB | -10 dB |
| S11(25 to 40 GHz) | / | -8 dB | -6 dB |
| RF Port Input Power | / | / | 24 dBm |
| Low-Frequency Modulator Specificationsc | Min | Typical | Max |
| Operating Frequency Range | DC to 1 MHz(Typical) |
| Vπ(@1 kHz) | / | 10V | / |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C | / | 70C |
| Storage Temperature | -40C | / | 85C |
| Mechanical Specifications |
| Crystal Orientation | Z-Cut |
| RF Connector | Female 1.85 mm(V) |
| Fiber Type | Input:PANDA Polarization Maintaining
Output:SMF-28 Single Mode |
| Fiber Connectors | 2.0 mm Narrow Key FC/PC |
| Fiber Lead Length | 1.5m(Typ.) |
| Fiber Jacket | 0900 μm Loose Tube |
| tSMF-28 is a registered trademark of Corning Incorporated. |
Mechanical Drawings
