Distributed electro-absorption modulator systems

Abstract

An electro-photonic integrated circuit, an optical system comprising an electro-photonic circuit, and a method of operating each. The electro-photonic integrated circuit comprises a distributed EAM comprising a one or more EAM portions optically coupled to generate a modulated optical output from an optical input; a distributed driver comprising a one or more driver portions for receiving a drive signal input for the EAM from an electrical input; the distributed EAM being electrically coupled to the distributed driver; wherein the modulated optical output is based on the optical input and the electrical input to implement equalization. For example, a propagation delay and a gain of the optical input and/or electrical input are combined to provide desired signal characteristics. The electrical propagation delay and optical propagation delay may be matched, or be adjusted, e.g. to provide a mismatch for optimization of both a characteristic impedance and a bandwidth of the distributed EAM.