Patent attributes
The invention relates to optical modulation devices and, in particular, monolithically integrated optical modulation devices. Disclosed herein is a monolithically integrated optical modulation device (200) that comprises: an input optical port (210); an output optical port (215); and an optical waveguide for guiding light from the input optical port to the output optical port. A portion of the optical waveguide is split into at least two branches. The waveguide is configured to cause a net 180° change in direction of the light while guiding said light from the input optical port to the output optical port such that the input optical port and the output optical port are positioned on a first edge of the device. At least some of the net 180° change in direction is achieved within the branches of the waveguide.