Dynamics of microring resonator modulators

A dynamic model for the transmission of a microring modulator based on changes in the refractive index, loss, or waveguide-ring coupling strength is derived to investigate the limitations to the intensity modulation bandwidth. Modulation bandwidths approaching the free spectral range frequency are possible if the waveguide-ring coupling strength is varied, rather than the refractive index or loss of the ring. The results illustrate that via controlled coupling, resonant modulators with high quality factors can be designed to operate at frequencies much larger than the resonator linewidth. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America