High-speed LiNbO3 modulator for W-band millimeter-wave detection

C. J. Huang; C. A. Schuetz; R. Shireen; S. Shi; D. W. Prather

doi:10.1117/12.701415

1 February 2007 High-speed LiNbO3 modulator for W-band millimeter-wave detection

C. J. Huang, C. A. Schuetz, R. Shireen, S. Shi, D. W. Prather

Proceedings Volume 6472, Terahertz and Gigahertz Electronics and Photonics VI; 64720M (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.701415
Event: Integrated Optoelectronic Devices 2007, 2007, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

We report the design, fabrication, and characterization of high-speed LiNbO₃ modulator for the millimeter-wave (MMW) detection system at W band covering atmospheric window at 94 GHz. The LiNbO₃ modulator is used to convert the collected MMW power into optical frequency, and hence predominantly determines the system sensitivity. The high sensitivity of detection requires the modulator a broad-band response and a small driving voltage. The ridged traveling-wave structure has been used in the modulator design. The effects of velocity matching, impedance matching, and MMW attenuations in this structure on the device's MMW conversion efficiency are investigated. A numerical model has developed to optimize the device geometric parameters and the fabrication processes. The fabricated modulator achieved the 3-dB optical bandwidth of 67 GHz and the conversion efficiency of ~0.7 W^-1 at 94 GHz. The detection pixel based on it has shown a high sensitivity with a noise equivalent temperature difference of ~6 K at a refreshing rate of 30 Hz.

Citation Download Citation

C. J. Huang, C. A. Schuetz, R. Shireen, S. Shi, and D. W. Prather "High-speed LiNbO3 modulator for W-band millimeter-wave detection", Proc. SPIE 6472, Terahertz and Gigahertz Electronics and Photonics VI, 64720M (1 February 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.701415

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