Asymmetric Fabry-Perot modulators with millimeter-wave (37 GHz) frequency response

AFPMs (asymmetric Fabry-Perot modulators) with good DC operating characteristics (20 dB contrast, 1.5 dB insertion loss) which also are capable of operating in the mm-wave regime have been designed and fabricated. Measurements are presented attesting that these AFPMs roll off at 37 GHz, a speed far higher than that of any other transverse modulators to date and competitive with even the fastest traveling-wave modulators. The calibrated response shows the expected 3-dB bandwidth of 37 GHz for equivalent CW (continuous wave) incident optical powers less than about 100 mu W, and a transit-limited 18 GHz for higher optical intensities. These high-speed AFPMs should open possibilities of smart interconnection and switching systems with extremely high aggregate bit rates.