Characterization of semiconducting thin films on InP for magneto-optical applications

We have investigated the properties of thin film magneto-optical materials grown in the III-V materials system. These materials can be used to expand the functionality of InP opto-electronic integrated circuits (OEIC). Magneto-optical (MO) materials possess unique properties which have already found applicability (in bulk form) in optical systems such as isolators, waveguides, and switches. The materials in this study are epitaxial InGaAs, InGaAsP, and InP films lattice-matched to InP substrates. These films were doped with Mn or Eu with concentrations of 1.3/spl times/10/sup 20/ and 1.5/spl times/10/sup 20/ cm/sup -3/, respectively. The optical and electrical properties of these films agree with expected values, and they show promise for MO applications. In addition, waveguiding has been achieved in InGaAsP films.