Microwave high power MSM PD at 1.55 /spl mu/m with optimal gradual heterojunction

Using a 2-D physical model we present a theoretical study of the parameters that affect the saturation condition of an MSM PD under high optical power at 1.55 /spl mu/m wavelength modulated at 40 GHz. We also report that, with an MSM operating at 40 GHz, we can expect a saturation limit with a maximum microwave power of 17 dBm due to the space charge effect.