Franz–Keldysh effect in an optical waveguide containing a resonant tunneling diode

Abstract

Optical modulation in a waveguide containing a resonant tunneling diode has been observed. The observations are in agreement with a model which assumes that the modulation effect is due to a Franz–Keldysh band-edge shift produced by the electric field developed over a depletion region association with operation of the resonant tunneling diode. The effect has device potential for optical modulation at microwave frequencies.