Design and optimization of an arbitrarily segmented traveling wave electrode for an ultrahigh speed electroabsorption modulator

The modulation response of an arbitrarily segmented traveling wave electroabsorption modulator (TW-EAM) with a non-periodic electrode layout is analyzed with an effective approach based on the transmission line theory. An optimization method based on a genetic algorithm is used to optimize the segmented electrode with additional capacitive pads for a TW-EAM. Optimized electrode structures are given for 165 mu m-length devices under standard 50 Omega RF termination condition and 210 mu m-length devices with smaller integrated resistors. Great enhancement of performances in modulation response is achieved as compared to the periodic design reported previously. The simulation with the parameters extracted from measurement results suggests that a 3 dB-bandwidth over 100 GHz could be achieved. The eye diagram from the simulation demonstrates that such devices would be competent for a 100Gb/s optical network. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.