optoelectronic world
PHASEBRIDGE
Simple Compound LiNbO3 Monitor lens-mounting lens-mounting modulator diode for RF fiberoptic links na on the wingtip of a tactical aircraft bracket bracket but also used in opti- or on the antenna mast of a battleship,
Monitor cal modules for other for instance. In such applications, the diode applications, such laser-modulator pair must fit togeth- Fiber as compact external- er in a compact package and function pigtail cavity mode-locked through high levels of shock and vibra-lasers and fiberoptic tion, and over a much wider tempera- Laser Isolator gyros (See Laser Fo- ture range for military applications cus World, July 2005, (– 54°C to + 85°C) than is required for p. S3). telecom applications (– 5°C to + 70°C),
Lithium niobate modulation of the laser signal enables this RF fiberoptic link to handle frequencies from 0.2 to 18 GHz. “Packaging an Koehler said. The latter requires bal-
18-GHz modulator is ancing different coefficients of expan-
bridge (Pasadena, CA) through EDO nontrivial because all sion over numerous materials.
(Morgan Hill, CA) to upgrade anten- of the electrical train must be precise- “Over such a broad range, every
na systems in Maritime Patrol aircraft. ly impedance-matched to avoid mul- component in the optical train (such
The Phasebridge RF-optical link uses tiple reflections,” according to Steffen as the laser, modulator, and lenses) and
a lithium niobate modulator chip cou- Koehler, vice president of marketing mounting scheme has its own thermal
pled through free space to a 1550-nm at Phasebridge. “The lengths and types coefficient of expansion, which means
continuous-wave distributed-feedback of the RF wire bonds are critical, for they all want to move in different direc-
laser-diode chip, by way of two-lens example, as is the metallurgy of each tions as the temperature changes,” he
collimated-beam coupling (see figure). bond, pad, and electrode. The layout of said. “The challenge is to keep all of the
The necessary submicron component- the package is extremely critical.” elements aligned with submicron pre-
positioning accuracy is achieved using An additional challenge comes in cision despite changing temperature,
a low-cost electrical-resistance spot- maintaining submicron tolerances in a shock, and vibration.”
welding technique originally developed link package collocated with an anten- Hassaun A. Jones-Bey
TEMoo YAG and Vanadate Lasers
• 1064 nm
• 6 Watts
• M2 < 1. 2
• Air cooled
• Pulse rate to 100 kHz
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Call, FAX, E-mail or write to us for more information.
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