The Versawave 40 Gb/s Electro-Optic Polarization Modulator is capable of changing the state of polarization (SOP) of light at ultra high speeds. Functioning at a high speed, electrically variable wave plate, the modulator is able to change the SOP of linearly polarized laser light to an orthogonal linear polarization, passing through elliptical and circular polarization states in between. The range and degree of the change in SOP can be varied by adjusting the magnitude of the DC bias and RF drive voltage.

Unlike designs based on lithium niobate, the Versawave Polarization Modulator has very low birefringence and subsequently, low differential group delay ­ giving system designers flexibility to use either polarization modulation or multiplexing in their transmission systems. In addition, the polarization modulator has the same class-leading performance benefits of Versawave’s Amplitude Modulator including low drive voltage, ultra-wide bandwidth, and small footprint.