Ultra-Wideband Thin Film Modulators for CO2 Lasers
Abstract
The long range objective of this program is to develop an efficient and practical ultra-wideband thin film modulator for CO2 lasers useful for optical image radars and high-data-rate optical communication systems. During the present contracting period (25 May 1973 to 25 December 1973), the goal of this program is aimed at the demonstration of efficient sideband generation of a 10.6 micrometer CO2 laser carrier at microwave frequencies (X-band) in a nonlinear GaAs thin film optical modulator element which is interfaced with a microwave ridge guide structure. Electrooptic interaction in a GaAs thin film between an optical guided-wave and either a traveling or a synchronous standing microwave signal can produce a sideband at the sum and difference frequencies. By using a frequency modulated microwave field, a chirped optical signal in the sideband is generated. This signal can be separated from others by a proper optical filtering technique such as a diffraction grating or a narrow bandpass interferometer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0767415
Entities
People
- J. F. Black
- J. L. Swindal
- M. Gilden
- P. K. Cheo
Organizations
- United Technologies Corporation