Polarization insensitivity of a high performance electroaibsorption modulator based on strained GaInAs/AlInAs MQW

Abstract

Polarization insensitivity is an important challenge for optical-fiber telecommunications. Since the incident light polarization state is random after propagation through optical fibers, it is essential that in-line optical components be polarization independent'. We report on the first polarization insensitive electroabsorption modulator (EA) using strained GaInAdAlInAs multiple quantum wells (MQW). This modulator operates in the 1.55-1.6 pm wavelength range with performances even higher than of any EA MQW modulator.