Abstract

An MQW electro-absorption (EA) modulator is one of the most promising candidates for application to next-generation fiber transmission systems because of its highly efficient and low chirp optical modulation capability.^1-5 Since the modulation speed of this modulator is limited by the CR time constant, short device lengths of less than 150 μm with small capacitance enable us to achieve high-speed modulation over 10 GHz.^1-5 However, it is difficult for such a short device to be fabricated and to be assembled in a package. Here we propose and demonstrate a novel high-speed MQW EA modulator, whose device capacitance is independent of its length: an MQW EA modulator integrated with waveguides. This modulator is long enough to be easily fabricated and packaged, while the device capacitance can be kept as small as for ultra-high-speed modulation.

© 1995 IEEE