Figure of merit for near-velocity-matched traveling-wave modulators

Abstract

We derive a relationship between the bandwidth and active length and a figure of merit for velocity- and near-velocity-matched lithium niobate traveling-wave electro-optic modulators. The figure of merit is given by the bandwidth per unit drive voltage squared and is independent of the length of the device. Alternatively, this figure of merit can be described by its inverse, which is proportional to the device's switching energy.