Novel Designs and Modeling of Electro-Absorption Modulators

Abstract

This paper describes the modeling and design of a novel Electro-Absorption Modulator (EAM) based on a Multi-Mode Interference (MMI) waveguide that utilizes the combination of optical absorption and mode interference effects to improve the extinction ratio of the EAM. In addition, modeling and design of an Evanescent Coupler based EAM with improved performance based on a similar dual extinction principle is presented. Feasibility of fabrication of such devices is discussed.

Proposal of compact multimode interference optical modulator with high extinction ratio

“…28) Novel MMI-based intensity modulators have also been proposed. 29,30) We have also proposed an MMI-EAM 31) for ultrahigh extinction ratios based on both electrorefractive index change and the EA effect based on the quantumconfined Stark effect (QCSE). 32) In this paper, we propose a 1 × 1 MMI optical intensity modulator 33) with a smaller footprint than the previously proposed MMI-EAM.…”

Proposal and simulated characteristics of high-extinction-ratio electroabsorption modulator based on multimode interference waveguide

“…39,40) Novel optical modulators based on MMIs have also been proposed. 41,42) However, this previous studies 41,42) only proposed a preliminary concept and have not investigated a specific structure for high extinction ratio based on precise electric field induced changes in refractive index and absorption coefficient in the quantum confined Stark effect (QCSE) 43) in a multiple quantum well (MQW).…”