Self-Linearized Optical Modulation of a Normally-On Asymmetric Fabry-Perot Modulator with High Contrast, Low Insertion-Loss, and Low Operating Energy

We report self-linearized current-biased modulation of a high-performance normally-on asymmetric Fabry-Perot modulator. The self-electro-optic effect device based on this modulator exhibits high contrast (>100:1) reflected output linear with respect to the drive current, large reflectivity change (∼70%) and needs very low electrical switching energy (voltage swing <4 V). Self-linearized modulators with both high-contrast and low insertion loss are potentially useful for sophisticated analog optical processing functions.