Visible light modulator for high-speed optical communication and optical computing

Abstract

A visible light modulator designed for high-speed optical communication and computing is introduced. This disclosure features a modulator substrate for structural support and integration of optoelectronic components, along with a thin-film optical waveguide layer equipped with coplanar waveguide electrodes to modulate optical signals via an electric field. The visible light modulator includes input and output optical waveguides for signal transmission, an optical distribution device to enable parallel processing across multiple modulation channels, and optoelectronic detectors for real-time performance monitoring. Radio frequency (RF) electrodes control the electro-optic response of the thin-film material, while bias electrodes adjust the refractive index, optical path differences, and interferometer balance for precise phase modulation and optimized output. This modulator enhances optical signal modulation efficiency and response speed, expands bandwidth, minimizes conversion losses, and significantly improves transmission efficiency and system reliability.