EO Modulator

Quantum Technology designs electro-optical modulation systems for controlling the power, phase, or polarization of light. Our EO modulators are available with a variety of accessories to accommodate applications across a broad optical range from UV to IR wavelengths.

What Is an Electro-Optic Modulator?

Electro-optic modulators are devices that shape light using electrical signals, playing a vital role in laser technology. Optical modulation is a crucial process in the field of photonics, enabling the transmission of information through light waves. Imagine a light beam as a blank canvas, and optical modulation as the artist’s brush that paints data onto it. By modifying one or more characteristics of a light beam—such as its amplitude, phase, or polarization—we can encode information onto the light. This encoded light then travels through fiber optic networks, carrying data at incredible speeds.

How Does It Work?

EO modulators operate using the electro-optic effect, where an electric field changes a material’s ability to bend light.

Light enters the modulator through a special pathway.
An electrical signal is applied, altering the material inside.
The material adjusts how the light moves or behaves.
The modified light exits, ready for its next task.

This technology is key to everything from internet data transfer to precise laser applications.

Types of Electro-Optic Modulators

Intensity Modulators

These adjust the strength of light, acting like a volume knob for a laser beam. They’re perfect for controlling how bright or dim the light needs to be in applications like fiber optics.

Phase Modulators

Phase modulators shift the timing of light waves, similar to adjusting when dancers hit the stage in a performance. This is essential for advanced communication systems, lock-in amplification, and frequency stabilization.

Polarization Modulators

These change the direction light waves move, much like rotating a flashlight to point in a new direction. They’re great for applications needing precise control over light’s orientation.

Standard EO Modulation Systems

These systems feature the highest bandwidths commercially available, various rise and fall times, continuously adjustable gain, high optical power handling capability, and automatic operation.

Model 3001C (DC – 1 MHz)
Model 3002C (DC – 2 MHz)
Model 3005C (DC – 5 MHz)
Model 3030C (DC – 10 MHz)
Model 3030 (DC – 25 MHz)
Model 3050 (DC – 45 MHz)

Specialized Solutions

Model 307XT Noise Eater System

A broadband electro-optic feedback loop designed to improve the amplitude stability of visible lasers. This system examines the throughput beam via a photo detector and reduces the laser intensity fluctuations or “noise.” The system features built-in calibration electronics.

Models 40 and 41 EO Beam Deflectors

Utilized with the HVA-100K driver for applications like facet-to-facet correction of polygonal spinners, video disc mastering, and high-speed streak recording.

Specialized Solutions

Our EO modulators are designed to work seamlessly with matched drivers, available in 50 ohm or 100 ohm impedance options.

Model	Crystal	Spectral Range (nm)	Aperture (mm)	Contrast Ratio (nm-typ)	Voltage Vπ @ 633 nm (V typ)	Frequency Response
10	LTA	800-2500	1	100:1	70	DC-650 MHz
11	LTA	800-2500	1	100:1	107	DC-1 GHz
327	KD*P	300-1100	0.5	500:1	120	DC-50 MHz
332	KD*P	300-1100	2.5	500:1	670	DC-10 MHz
REM-101	LTA	800-2500	2	100:1	2 W RF	1-2% of Fc

Advantages of Optical Modulation

Optical modulation brings a host of benefits:

Lightning-fast data transmission
Optical modulation zips information across the globe at incredible speeds. Imagine sending a text message that travels faster than you can say “LOL.” That’s the power of modulated light!
Increased bandwidth
With optical modulation, we can squeeze more data into a single fiber optic cable. It’s like turning a one-lane road into a superhighway for information. Who doesn’t love a good traffic-free commute?
Lower signal loss
Unlike electrical signals, modulated light doesn’t weaken much over long distances. This means clearer phone calls and crisper streaming videos, even when connecting to servers on the other side of the planet.
Reduced electromagnetic interference
Optical signals don’t get mixed up with electrical noise. It’s as if our data has noise-canceling headphones, blocking out all the chatter and static.
Energy efficiency
Optical modulation uses less power than traditional electrical methods. It’s like switching from gas-guzzling cars to eco-friendly electric vehicles for our data highways. The total power of a modulation spectrum impacts the efficiency and performance of data transmission, as half of the available power can be wasted on noninformative components.
Improved security
Light-based communication is harder to intercept than electrical signals. It’s like having an invisibility cloak for our sensitive information.
Scalability
As our data needs grow, optical modulation systems can easily adapt. They’re like expandable storage units for our ever-increasing digital stuff.

Need More Information?

Download our detailed product brochure or speak with one of our specialists to learn how Quantum Technology’s EO Systems can meet your needs.