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.