High power performance of asymmetric Fabry-Perot MQW modulators

Reports the modulation characteristics of a GaAs/AlGaAs MQW asymmetric Fabry-Perot modulator (AFPM) at high optical powers. It is known that nonlinear optical effects limit the performance of non-resonant devices so that low optical powers have to be used. The authors demonstrate that the Fabry-Perot configuration permits high contrast modulation at much higher optical powers. Contrast ratios of 50:1 with an optical intensity of 8.8 KW cm/sup -2/ and absolute reflection changes as high as 70% are obtained with intensities up to 26 KW cm/sup -2/.<
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