Theoretical and experimental analysis of Mach–Zehnder quantum-well modulators

Abstract

A theoretical model of the electro-optic properties of III–V multiple quantum well systems is compared to photocurrent spectrum measurements. Our technique, which is essentially free of adjustable parameters provides accurate estimates of both the absorption and refractive index far below the band edge. We have found that the proper inclusion of both inter-subband mixing effects and the angular dependence of the optical matrix elements is required to obtain satisfactory agreement with experiment.