Abstract

Phase modulators utilizing quantum well (QW) electro-refractive effects to change optical path length are not compatible with high-density-array integration or normal incident light since high absorption prohibits operation at the wavelengths where refractive index changes are appreciable. By avoiding index changes, we have created vertical cavity phase flip modulators. The current device uses 13.5-V bias and a 5000-Å long active region to provide exactly 180° phase change while only altering reflectivity from 65% to 63%.

© 1994 Optical Society of America