Optical modulator LM 0202 P characteristics : application to amplitude modulation of argon-ion laser

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the possibility of using a commercial elecro-optic modulator, the LM 0202 P modulator manufactured by Gsanger Opto-Elektroniks of Germany, to provide an amplitude modulated light source to test a theory of the conversion of amplitude to frequency modulation of light in fiber optics. The main focus of this thesis is to experimentally determine the performance characteristics of the modulator including the frequency response in the frequency range 1 kHz to 150 MHz. The effects of inductive loops, both external and internal to the modulator, are examined and solutions discussed. Amplitude modulation of an Argon-Ion Laser operating at 514.5 nm at twenty-five percent modulation at 125 MHz has been achieved.