Quantum dots: a new approach to low V<sub>&pi;</sub> optical modulators

Elizabeth Twyford Kunkee; Peter M. Livingston; Steve Holm

doi:10.1117/12.478330

19 June 2003 Quantum dots: a new approach to low V_π optical modulators

Elizabeth Twyford Kunkee, Peter M. Livingston, Steve Holm

Proceedings Volume 4987, Integrated Optics: Devices, Materials, and Technologies VII; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.478330
Event: Integrated Optoelectronics Devices, 2003, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Preliminary analysis has shown that quantum dots enable tens of millivolt-range operation of phase-shifters in a semiconductor Mach-Zehnder interferometer modulator. Our methodology based upon the quantum dot experimental work of Hse et al, makes use of his measured exciton line shapes to estimate refractive index changes in a PIN structure in which the intrinsic laser is loaded with self-organizing quantum dots and their associated wetting layers. We consider both forward and reversed bias cases; in the former, the interferometer phase shift sections become DFB lasers, and in the latter, the phase shift is caused by the quantum-confined Stark effect (QCSE). With the latter, we found a trade-off between low operating voltage and modulating bandwidth. For a phase shifter insertion loss of 5 dB, a 250-micron long phase section will yield a pi/2 control voltage of 50 mV at a bandwidth of around 18 GHz. Ifi 90 mV control voltage swing can be tolerated, the modulator bandwidth increases to 30 GHz. If a resonant tunneling diode (RTD) is made part of the assembly, the local E-field is enhanced by a factor of 5 to 10, thereby reducing the drive requirements even further. Similar, though narrower bandwidth results were noted for the DFB laser phase modulator concept.

Citation Download Citation

Elizabeth Twyford Kunkee, Peter M. Livingston, and Steve Holm "Quantum dots: a new approach to low V_π optical modulators", Proc. SPIE 4987, Integrated Optics: Devices, Materials, and Technologies VII, (19 June 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.478330

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