Optical modulator and optical modulator driver devices and methods utilizing independent arm bias to mitigate fabrication errors

Abstract

An optical modulator device and method, including and utilizing: a first optical waveguide arm including one or more optical phase shifters, e.g., pn junctions, and configured to receive a first bias voltage V; and a second optical waveguide arm including one or more optical phase shifters, e.g., pn junctions, and configured to receive a second bias voltage V; wherein the first bias voltage Vand the second bias voltage Vare dissimilar, such that the first optical waveguide arm and the second optical waveguide arm exhibit a same phase modulation. Vand Vare selected such that the corresponding slopes Vπ of the associated phase shift versus applied bias voltage curves are equal. The optical modulator device further includes a driver coupled to the first optical waveguide arm and the second optical waveguide arm and including a current offset control circuit operable for providing Vand V.