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Abstract

An optical modulator and an associated modulation method are provided that utilize an optical fiber as the active medium such that the resulting fiber modulator is relatively inexpensive, but maintains high performance standards. The fiber modulator includes a core and a cladding surrounding the core which collectively form a longitudinally extending optical fiber capable of supporting the propagation of optical signals. The fiber modulator also includes first and second regions within the cladding and extending longitudinally therealong for establishing an internal bias electrical field across the core. The first and second regions are disposed on opposite sides of the core and have positive and negative electrical charges, respectively. The fiber modulator further includes first and second electrodes disposed on the cladding proximate the first and second regions, respectively, and extending longitudinally therealong. By applying electrical signals, such as radio frequency (RF) signals, to the first and second electrodes, the optical signals propagating through the core of the optical fiber can be linearly phase modulated. The optical fiber may have a rectangular shape in lateral cross section with a pair of opposed major surfaces and a pair of opposed minor surfaces. In this instance, the first and second regions and the first and second electrodes are all generally disposed proximate a respective major surface of the optical fiber.

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