Mach-Zehnder Device
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Overview
The Mach-Zehnder (MZ)device is used to modulate the light passing through a channel by applying an electric current. This technology is widely used in fiber optic communications. New electro-optic polymers can be used in the channel to achieve higher switch speed and lower turn on voltages.
Significance
<swf width="500" height="400">/media/mz.swf</swf> The MZ devices is based on interference. An incoming wave of light is split into two paths. One path goes through some kind of electro-optical material and then is recombined with the other light path. Small changes in the index of refraction of the electro-optical material controlled by the electric current slightly changes the phase of the light on that path. When it recombines with the original light constructive or destructive interference occurs.