How to choose between 780nm phase modulator and intensity modulator?
How to choose between 780nm phase modulator and intensity modulator?
In the critical wavelength range of 780nm, the interaction between light and matter is particularly rich – whether it is the D2 line transition of cesium atoms or the quantum state manipulation of rubidium atoms, precise control of laser in this wavelength range is indispensable. The core device that achieves this regulation is the electro-optic modulator (EOM modulator). Among them, although both the electro-optic phase modulator and the electro-optic intensity modulator belong to the lithium niobate electro-optic modulation family, they have their own unique skills and perform their respective duties.
Electro optic phase modulator, as the name suggests, focuses on precise control of the phase of optical signals. Its structure is relatively simple – a single waveguide is paired with two electrodes on both sides, and the refractive index of the crystal is changed through the electro-optic effect, thereby changing the phase of the light wave. The ROF-PM series 780nm phase modulator adopts advanced proton exchange technology and has excellent characteristics such as low insertion loss (typical value 2.8dB), high modulation bandwidth (10GHz), and low half wave voltage (typical value 2.0V). It mainly serves the fields of space optical communication systems, cesium atomic time reference, spectral broadening, and interferometry – in optical clocks and precision measurements, phase modulators are the “behind the scenes heroes” of frequency locking and stabilization.
The electro-optic intensity modulator is responsible for regulating the intensity (amplitude) of light. It is based on the Mach Zehnder interferometer (MZI) structure: the optical signal is divided into two paths, which undergo phase modulation and then recombine, achieving intensity modulation through interference effects. The ROF-AM-07 series intensity modulator also uses proton exchange technology, with an insertion loss of less than 3dB, a switch extinction ratio of up to 23dB, and a typical half wave voltage of only 3V at the RF end. Its typical applications cover space optical communication, quantum optics, pulse generators, and other fields – in quantum information experiments, intensity modulators are often used to “cut” continuous lasers into nanosecond level optical pulses.
It can be said that the phase modulator is the artist who finely refines the phase of light waves, while the intensity modulator is the commander who controls the intensity of light with ease. The two complement each other, both supporting customized tail fibers for FC/PC and FC/APC, with stable operation at a wide temperature range of -10 ℃~60 ℃, covering multiple experimental optical paths from basic atomic clocks to cutting-edge quantum optics, providing an integrated optical modulation solution for 780nm band research.
Media Contact
Company Name: Beijing Rofea Optoelectronics Co., Ltd.
Email: Send Email
Country: China
Website: https://www.bjrofoc.com/
