The invention relates to an optically pumped multilayered modulator having
surface-normal geometry. The multilayer structure comprises an absorber
section through which an optical signal (401) to be modulated is coupled
from an input (401) to an output (400). The multilayer structure further
comprises control means for supplying a control signal for controlling
the transmission characteristics of the absorber section. The control
signal is generated by an in-plane waveguide-type laser integrated
monolithically with the saturable absorption region. The in-plane control
laser includes waveguide regions (405) and multiple-quantum-well layers
(409) used as a gain medium. The laser beam is adapted to travel through
the absorber section in order to modulate the transmission
characteristics of the absorber section.