Electro-Optic Modulator (EOM)

EOM stands for Electro-Optic Modulator in photonics and laser systems. An Electro-Optic Modulator is a device that uses an electric field to modulate the phase, frequency, amplitude, or polarization of a laser beam.

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Free-space vs. Fiber-coupled: Depending on your beam delivery—lab setups may use free-space, while integrated systems often go with fiber-coupled EOMs.

 The type of EOM (Electro-Optic Modulator) includes：

  Phase Modulator (PM)

• Function: Modulates the phase of the laser beam.

• Use case: Frequency comb generation, interferometry, pulse shaping.

• Common materials: Lithium niobate (LiNbO₃), KTP, BBO.

  Amplitude Modulator (AM)

• Function: Modulates the intensity (amplitude) of the laser.

• Use case: Optical switching, Q-switching, pulse picking.

• Often built as: Mach-Zehnder interferometer using phase modulators in both arms.

 Polarization Modulator

• Function: Changes the polarization state of the light.

• Use case: Polarization control, quantum optics.

• Typically used with: Polarizers or polarizing beam splitters.

  Frequency Modulator

• Function: Shifts the optical frequency by modulating phase over time.

• Use case: Laser frequency stabilization, high-speed communication.

EOMs applications:

• Ultrafast laser pulse shaping

• High-speed optical communication

• Quantum optics and computing

• Laser frequency stabilization