Integrated optical Mach-Zehnder modulator array for optical board-to-board interconnections

Integrated optic Mach-Zehnder modulator array (IOMZMA) devices have been investigated for application to an optical board-to-board interconnect system. Two types of four-unit IOMZMA devices have been developed using X-cut LiNbO3 crystal as the modulator substrate, with the modulator-to-modulator separations matched to an output graded-index (GRIN) lens array or commercial ribbon fibers. The design parameters, fabrication methods, procedures, and measurement results are presented. A preliminary application of the IOMZMA device to an optical interconnection system is demonstrated.