A light modulator includes a semiconductor substrate having a main surface, a rear surface, and a grounding conductor on the rear surface. A wave guide section having a width is located on the semiconductor substrate. A bonding pad section on the semiconductor substrate is located adjacent to the wave guide section and an insulating layer covers the main surface of the semiconductor substrate. A portion of the insulating layer immediately opposite the bonding pad section includes a multiple layer structure of insulating films. An electrode opposite the bonding pad section is electrically connected to the wave guide section.