A cat's eye multiple quantum-well modulating retro-reflector

A new kind of modulating retro-reflector using cat's eye optics and a multiple quantum-well electro-absorption modulator array is described. The device exhibits retro-reflection over a 30/spl deg/ field of view and can support data rates of up to 50 Mb/s using 1-mm pixels. The use of the device in free-space optical communication is discussed.