Highly Linear Optical Phase Modulation Inside a Mixed QW Modulator

We present a highly linear quantum well (QW) optical phase modulator that employs a mixed QW structure. This modulator demonstrated an excellent phase modulation linearity. Its third-order intermodulation intercept point in the optical phase excursion per unit length was measured to be greater than 8π/mm. The measured optical loss is ~1 dB/mm. The new phase modulator design should enable a more compact optical phase-locked loop photonic integrated circuit with a wider bandwidth.