An elegant design for an optical modulator having a high Q is described. The modulator is made up of a straight-forward microwave guide within which a block of a monocrystalline electro-optic material such as lithium niobate is positioned. The modulator is dimensioned to support sequentially standing waves of modulating energy within the desired bandwidth. Optical radiation to be modulated is introduced into the crystal. In one embodiment designed particularly for the 2-15 GHz range, the amount of crystalline material necessary to interact with the incoming radiation is selected to be a minimum, and in another embodiment designed for the 15-75 GHz frequency range, a zig-zag reflection pattern is provided within the crystal.
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