Method for measuring the rf modulation characteristics of Mach-Zehnder-type modulators

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Abstract
We derive the frequency spectrum of the light output from Mach‐Zehnder‐type waveguide modulators and demonstrate the excellent agreement of the experimental results with theory. From the measurement of the frequency spectrum the rf modulation characteristics can be deduced. This method is advantageous as it permits the evaluation of the modulator performance up to frequencies above 1 GHz without requiring high optical power, thus eliminating the risk of optical damage in the waveguides. The tested modulator shows a 3‐dB cutoff frequency of 1.1 GHz; the figure of merit is Q≈130 μW/MHz.