Abstract

The integration of optical elements with semiconductor microelectronics is a critical step in achieving practical optical information processing systems. We are motivated by two concerns: First, a desire to reduce the optical input energy required to perform an operation; the provision of electronic gain between optical input and output can do this. Second, a desire to increase the functionality permitted between optical input and output, clearly satisfied by electronic integration. Of the various schemes possible, we consider here the combination of MQW modulator devices¹ with GaAs-based metal-semiconductor field effect transistors (MESFETs).

© 1992 Optical Society of America