Long-wavelength waveguide multiple-quantum-well (MQW) optical modulator with 30:1 on/off ratio

Abstract

Large on/off ratio optical modulation of long-wavelength light propagating along the plane of InGaAs/InAlAs multiple-quantum-well (MQW) structures grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is obtained for the first time. These waveguide MQW optical modulators have a modulation on/off ratio of 30:1 (15 dB) at a driving voltage as low as 9 V, and a capacitance-limited pulse response of 280 ps (FWHM). This measurement is the first step in achieving faster and higher extinction ratio devices.