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What is a MZI?
(Mach-Zehnder Modulator)
A Mach-Zehnder Modulator (MZI) is an electro-optic device that controls the intensity or phase of an optical signal by exploiting interference between two optical paths. It is widely used for high-speed optical modulation, with applications ranging from optical communications to sensing, lasers, and quantum technologies.
Mach-Zehnder modulators are commonly based on lithium niobate (LiNbO₃), whose electro-optic properties allow an applied electrical signal to modify the phase of light traveling through each arm of the interferometer. This enables fast and precise control of the resulting optical signal.
HOW A Mach-Zehnder Modulator Works
The operation of an MZI can be understood through three main steps:
Light splitting
An incoming optical signal enters the modulator and is split into two separate optical paths, or interferometer arms.
Phase modulation
An electrical signal is applied to electrodes along the two arms, changing the optical phase in each path through the electro-optic effect.
Interference and modulation
The two optical signals are recombined. Depending on their relative phase, they interfere constructively or destructively, controlling the intensity or phase of the output optical signal.
