Design of quantum well materials for maximum change in refractive index with minimal loss

Abstract

Quantum well material have become attractive materials for integrated optic devices. Most modulator devices based on quantum well materials utilise the electric field dependent absorption due the quantum confined Stark effect. Modulators for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) utilising resonant cavities, require highly electrorefractive materials that exhibit minimal loss at the active wavelength. The Stark effect in quantum wells also produces electro-refraction, but this is often unusable due to the increased absorption. In this paper we investigate the engineering and optimisation of quantum well materials to produce a high change in refractive index with applied field, with minimal loss.