Cusack, Benedict JSheard, Benjamin SShaddock, Daniel AGray, Malcolm BLam, Ping KoyWhitcomb, Stanley Ernest2016-05-222016-05-220003-6935http://hdl.handle.net/1885/101494We report on the analysis and prototype-characterization of a dual-electrode electro-optic modulator that can generate both amplitude and phase modulations with a selectable relative phase, termed a universally tunable modulator (UTM). All modulation states can be reached by tuning only the electrical inputs, facilitating real-time tuning, and the device is shown to have good suppression and stability properties. A mathematical analysis is presented, including the development of a geometric phase representation for modulation. The experimental characterization of the device shows that relative suppressions of 38 dB, 39 dB and 30 dB for phase, single-sideband and carrier-suppressed modulations, respectively, can be obtained, as well as showing the device is well-behaved when scanning continuously through the parameter space of modulations. Uses for the device are discussed, including the tuning of lock points in optical locking schemes, single sideband applications, modulation fast-switching applications, and applications requiring combined modulations.This material is based on work supported by the Australian Research Council and in part by the United States National Science Foundation under Cooperative Agreement PHY-0107417. This paper has been assigned LIGO Laboratory document LIGOP030031-00R.© 2004 Optical Society of AmericaKeywords: Electro-optic modulators; Optical configurations; Phase theory; Quadrature variable modulators (QVM); Degrees of freedom (mechanics); Light polarization; Optical design; Parameter estimation; Phase modulation; Real time systems; Tuning; Light modulatorsStudy of an electro-optic modulator capable of generating simultaneous amplitude and phase modulations2003-06-1710.1364/AO.43.0050792016-06-14