C Band 145 GHz IQ Modulator

IQM-C145

Polariton’s IQ Modulator IQM-C145 is a high-performance solution for coherent optical communication systems operating in the C band. Designed for symbol rates beyond 180 GBaud, this device enables amplitude and phase modulation of optical signals, allowing for efficient transmission of complex IQ data formats such as QPSK and 16-QAM. With a 3-dB electro-optic bandwidth greater than 145 GHz, the IQM-C145 stands out as one of the fastest modulators available for next-generation optical networks.

Key Features

3-dB electro-optic bandwidth >145 GHz
Lumped, low-capacitance RF design
Chip dimensions 1.5 mm x 2 mm
C-band operation
Single-ended (SD) or differential-drive (DD) geometry

Description

The plasmonic differential-drive IQ (in-phase and quadrature) electro-optic modulator (EOM) is the choice for high-speed coherent electro-optic conversion in the C band. Featuring a bandwidth beyond 145 GHz, it supports applications by modulating IQ symbols, hence outputting an amplitude and phase modulation.

Driving the chip with the signal and with its inverted version (differential-drive) will provide the best modulation efficiency, specifically since most drivers provide the inverted version of the signal from the start.

Delivered as a chip or semi-packaged chip, our IQ Modulator can be tailored to your needs.

Related Papers

Variants & Specifications

Product Specification

EO bandwidth	Optical band	IQ variant	Ordering code
145 GHz	C band	single-drive (SD)	IQM-C145-cv
145 GHz	C band	differential (DD)	IQM-C145-cw

Performance Specifications

	SD	DD
Peak wavelength	1550 nm	1550 nm
Insertion loss (IL)	<17 dB	<17 dB
Static extinction ratio (ER)	>25 dB	>25 dB
DC bias on/off voltage	<1.5 V	<1.5 V
3-dB EO bandwidth	>145 GHz	>110 GHz
V_{п, eq} @ 100 kHz, @ 50 Ohm*	<5 V	<5 V

Maximum Ratings

	SD	DD
Optical input power**	9 dBm	9 dBm
RF input power @ 50 Ohm	18 dBm	18 dBm
DC voltage at RF input	0 V	0 V
DC bias voltage DC bias current	2.5V 15 mA	2.5V 15 mA
Operating / storage temperature	~25°C	~25°C

* Plasmonic modulators are high-impedance devices. Twice the voltage provided by a 50-Ohm signal source will drop across the plasmonic modulator. Using a DC source or a high-impedance-matched driver, double the voltage is required to switch the modulator from the on to the off state.

** Operation time of 8000 h at 85°C with a V_π degradation <10%.

Mechanical and Optical Specifications

	SD	DD
Optical input and output	Grating coupler (GC), 127 um pitch	Grating coupler (GC), 127 um pitch
Center wavelength at GC angle	1550 nm at 8°	1550 nm at 8°
Optical source needed	Peak WL laser source	Peak WL laser source
Electrical RF interface	G-S-G, 70 – 215 μm pitch	S-S̄, 170 – 400 μm pitch
Electrical DC interface	+-/ +-/ +-, 150 μm pitch	+-/ +-/ +-, 150 μm pitch