Title :
Effects of dispersion and birefringence on the performance of quantum well mode converters
Author :
Ranalli, E.R. ; Sonek, G.J.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Electr. & Comput. Eng., California Univ., Irvine, CA, USA
fDate :
2/1/1992 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The device characteristics of GaAs multiple quantum well (MQW) polarization modulators, designed for operation at wavelengths of 865 and 870 nm, respectively, are investigated and shown to depend strongly on the dispersive and anisotropic optical properties of the quantum well medium. Results indicate that the observed decrease in spectral bandwidth and conversion efficiency at wavelengths detuned from the excitonic bandgap by ~250 Å can be accounted for, theoretically, if electroabsorptive loss terms are included in the coupled-mode analysis of polarization conversion in MQW waveguides. Device design considerations and applications of MQW polarization modulators to integrated optic filtering, wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing, and the frequency tuning of semiconductor lasers are presented
Keywords :
III-V semiconductors; birefringence; electro-optical devices; gallium arsenide; integrated optics; laser accessories; laser modes; laser tuning; light polarisation; multiplexing equipment; optical dispersion; optical modulation; 865 nm; 870 nm; GaAs; IR; MQW; MQW waveguides; WDM; anisotropic optical properties; birefringence; conversion efficiency; coupled-mode analysis; demultiplexing; design considerations; detuned wavelengths; diode laser tuning; dispersion; electroabsorptive loss terms; excitonic bandgap; frequency tuning; integrated optic filtering; laser accessories; multiple quantum well; optical switches; polarization conversion; polarization modulators; quantum well medium; quantum well mode converters; semiconductor lasers; semiconductor switches; semiconductors; spectral bandwidth; wavelength division multiplexing; Birefringence; Dispersion; Gallium arsenide; Laser tuning; Optical design; Optical filters; Optical modulation; Optical polarization; Quantum well devices; Wavelength conversion;
Journal_Title :
Lightwave Technology, Journal of
