MODULATOR Russian patent published in 1998 - IPC

FIELD: optical engineering. SUBSTANCE: modulator operation is based on variation of light intensity at waveguide channel output implanted in lithium niobate with change of control voltage across its electrodes. Every waveguide channel is electrooptical system which uses electrooptical effect in lithium niobate, i. e. , development of optical anisotropy in transparent isotropic dielectric when the latter is placed in external electric field. With control voltage supplied between contacts, voltage is applied to respective electrodes, as a result of which conditions of full internal reflection in waveguide channel are satisfied. Light flux is obtained at waveguide channel output. It is proportional to light flux at waveguide channel input. proportionality coefficient depends on value of voltage applied between control electrodes. Number of waveguide channels with different dependence of relative brightness at output of every waveguide channel from voltage is obtained due to selection of crystals with different shears relative to optical axis. Control voltage supply to respective waveguide channels by means of switch provides for large dynamic range of relative brightness dependence at modulator output from voltage applied. EFFECT: improved control and stabilization of light radiation intensity. 3 dwg