Abstract

In sensor or antenna applications that use remote integrated-optical modulators, a definite polarization state is needed at the input to the remote device following a long fiber run. This can be accomplished by using a depolarized source,¹² which then allows the use of ordinary fiber, eliminating the expense of polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF). Here we apply a technique to enhance the low-frequency response of a LiNbO₃ traveling-wave (TW) modulator³ and demonstrate operation of the resonantly enhanced modulator as part of a system that generates depolarized light. This approach overcomes the problem of high drive power,² which can lead to thermal instability. The technique is particularly appropriate because the depolarized source operates at a fixed frequency and the exact drive frequency of the phase modulator can be adjusted to achieve maximum enhancement. Furthermore, the TW implementation of the depolarized source reduces the threshold for stimulated Brillouin scattering in a fiber, making it possible to deliver high optical powers over long fiber runs.

© 1995 Optical Society of America