Electro-optic E-field sensor using an optical modulator

An electric field sensor array using optical coherence modulation of light is proposed. The system consists of lithium niobate (LiNbO/sub 3/) optical coherence modulator acting as electric field sensor. The main characteristics of coherence-modulated transmissions include the need to use broadband optical sources and integrated optics lithium niobate electro-optic retarders. Coherence-modulated systems have been studied in recent years as new potential high-speed optical links useful for point-to-point, local area networks, and bidirectional transmissions, at optical wavelengths around 1300 nm. The paper describes the experimental system and characterization of the electro-optic sensor for detection of sinusoidal electric fields.