Refined modeling of traveling-wave Ti:LiNbO3 channel waveguide modulator

A refined computation model for traveling-wave operation of external electro-optical phase modulators made of a single titanium in-diffused lithium niobate channel waveguide (Ti:LiNbO₃WG) is described. The modulator circuit model outlined as two traveling-wave coupled microstrips includes microwave losses and dispersion. In the optimization procedure, we consider different circuit load conditions. The influence of a dielectric overlay covering the electrodes is examined. The consolidated techniques of conformal mapping, multiple image, and finite element are used to investigate the microwave characteristics of the structure, and the refractive effective index method is used in calculating the characteristics of the diffused anisotropic optical channel. The performances of Y-cut and Z-cut substrate configurations are compared. We have verified that the Y-cut substrate modulator gives the best overall performance, and that the overlay presence causes significant improvements in the evaluated modulation efficiency and in the bandwidth. A model of the modulator that takes electrode thickness into account permits one to obtain a wider bandwidth.