O/C Band 145 GHz Ring Resonator Modulator

RRM-C145

The RRM-C145 from Polariton Technologies is a compact, chip-scale ring resonator modulator that delivers ultra-fast electro-optic modulation. Designed for operation in the O and C bands, it exceeds 145 GHz bandwidth and fits easily into small-footprint systems. As a result, it’s ideal for cutting-edge applications like radio-over-fiber, optical transport, and high-speed testing setups.

Key Features

3-dB electro-optic bandwidth >145 GHz
Lumped, low-capacitance RF design
Chip dimensions 1.5 mm x 2 mm
O/C band operation
Possible electrical drive: Single, differential, or dual
Available as single, 4-channel or 8-channel device

Description

The RRM-C145 Ring Resonator Modulator uses a resonant structure to generate intensity modulation with excellent performance. It achieves stable operation beyond 145 GHz—and tests have shown functionality up to 170 GHz. This makes it a solid choice for engineers building next-generation optical systems.

Importantly, the RRM-C145 doesn’t require a bias voltage source. Instead, users can simply tune the laser wavelength to adjust the operating point. This approach simplifies integration and saves valuable board space.

You can order the RRM-C145 as a bare chip or in a semi-packaged format. In both cases, Polariton ensures mechanical compatibility and thermal stability.

Related Papers

Variants & Specifications

Product Specification

Polariton is offering this device in various variants, being single, quad and octo channel, ideal for a wide range of optical interconnect solutions.

EO bandwidth	Optical band	RR variant	Ordering code
145 GHz	O band	single-ended, differential, dual	RRM-C145-o
145 GHz	C band	single-ended, differential, dual	RRM-C145-c

(1) A probable 4-channel version with GSG probes for GS operation is available on demand.

Performance Specifications

	O band	C band
Peak wavelength	1310 nm	1550 nm
Insertion loss (IL)	<10 dB	<8 dB
Static extinction ratio (ER)	>8 dB	>8 dB
DC bias on/off voltage	<1.5 V	<1.5 V
3-dB EO bandwidth	>145 GHz	>145 GHz
V_drive @ 100 kHz, @ 50 Ohm*	<2 V	<2 V
Free Spectral Range	~4.7 nm	~4.7 nm

Maximum Ratings

	O band	C band
Optical input power**	Contact Polariton	7 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 - 50 °C

* Plasmonic modulators are high-impedance devices, correspondingly twice the voltage provided by a 50-Ohm signal source will drop across the plasmonic modulator. Thereafter, 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

	O band	C band
Optical input and output	Grating coupler (GC), 127 um pitch	Grating coupler (GC), 127 um pitch
Center wavelength at GC angle	1310 nm at 8°	1550 nm at 8°
Optical source needed	Tunable laser source,1310 nm ±10 nm range	Tunable laser source,1550 nm ±10 nm range
Electrical RF interface	G-S, S-G, S-S̄, S̄-S, or S₁-S₂, 30 –170 μm pitch	G-S, S-G, S-S̄, S̄-S, or S₁-S₂, 30 –170 μm pitch
Electrical DC interface	+/-, 75 – 245 μm pitch	+/-, 75 – 245 μm pitch