Abstract

In this report, we present preliminary results on a light modulator based on the Quantum Confined Stark Effect (QCSE)¹ but for the first time operating all-optically. The principle of operation of the device is as follows: every period of the heterostructure contains three quantum wells (QWs) designed in such a way that following above band-gap photoexcitation a large fraction of the photogenerated electrons and holes tend to separate and accumulate in the exterior QWs, creating a local space-charge field having its maximum in the region in between and acting via the QCSE on the exciton resonance of the central QW.

© 1994 IEEE