Velocity-matched electro-optic modulator

Partitioning the transmission line on a LiNbO3 traveling wave modulator into short sections and feeding each section from an antenna integrated to the modulator surface can overcome the frequency limitation from material dispersion. A phase modulator at 5-13 GHz with a peak sensitivity better than 100 deg/(Watt) sq rt is demonstrated using an unoptimized microwave feed system. The technique should be scalable to high millimeter-wave frequencies.