High-sensitivity lumped-element bandpass modulators in LiNbO/sub 3/

Th design and evaluation of high-sensitivity lumped-element, bandpass modulators based on the integrated-optical Mach-Zehnder interferometer are presented. The optimum impedance-matched modulator response is formulated. Then a passive resonant drive circuit that achieves this response is described. In contrast to the usual baseband case, the maximum response of the impedance-matched modulator is independent of modulator length. Experimental results are given for several modulators built in lithium niobate using this circuit. Undesirable acoustic resonances are observed, and a technique for their suppression is demonstrated.>