Replies to post #48996 on Lightwave Logic Inc (LWLG)

[tkg]

Wow, that puts things in a new perspective for me. Thx for your contributions!

[Photonics_Guy]

I get the feeling this one slipped through the cracks.

Note the data rates these drivers support....yeah, that's right, almost $17K for a modulator driver that supports 40GBits/sec max...each. And every modulator requires an independent Driver. I'm sure there are cheaper ones out there in a non-benchtop version, but do they support 100GBits/sec?

I don't know the answer to that question.

Now you might be getting a feeling why Direct-Drive Photonic Modulators are a BIG deal.

Folks, this is important. If a Modulator has a higher Vpi that is north of 1V (note: this includes every other technology, i.e., Si, InP, LiNb, etc.), then to use that Modulator, you must amplify the incoming RF signal using a Modulator Driver.

Those Modulator Drivers are very expensive. $17K ea for small quantities quoted above...and that's for a Driver that only allows up to 20GHz in input RF Bandwidth. Not only that, those Drivers consume prodigious amounts of power.

LWLG polymer Direct Drive Modulators do not require a Modulator Driver. Huge savings for every installed modulator, in terms of cost and power and footprint.

PG

[th6565]

GP, you probably missed reading this Post from Phtonics-Guy.

A modulator driver costs roughly $17,000 and it only supports 40 Gb/sec maximum. That is a lot of money for one driver, not including modulator I guess.

[Photonics_Guy]

Just to be clear, I am not claiming that removing the requirement for a Modulator Driver by using LWLG polymer modulators saves $17K per modulator.

BTW, here are the prices for a couple different Modulator Drivers from ThorLabs, a notable photonics equipment manufacturer.

Benchtop High-Speed LiNbO3 Electro-Optic Modulator Drivers

Note the data rates these drivers support....yeah, that's right, almost $17K for a modulator driver that supports 40GBits/sec max...each. And every modulator requires an independent Driver. I'm sure there are cheaper ones out there in a non-benchtop version, but do they support 100GBits/sec?

I don't know the answer to that question.

Now you might be getting a feeling why Direct-Drive Photonics Modulators are a BIG deal.

The price above is for single quantities of a bench-top Driver. Fielded Drivers will be subject to discounts for large orders and a smaller footprint. However, they will not be inexpensive.

In our applications, I design our own drivers for improved noise performance and a flatter passband than what is available from suppliers.

Being able to operate without a Driver is a compelling advantage of LWLG driverless "Direct-Drive" polymer modulators.