Abstract

In fiber optic communication systems, emission and detection are usually handled by separate devices. However, previous research has shown that emission and detection can be embodied in a monolithic emitter-detector diode. In doing so, the number of components are reduced, which inherently makes the optical system less expensive and more reliable. By using the Franz-Keldysh shift it has been shown that detection can be accomplished at the band edge; however, the research thus far has been for end terminal devices. In this new research, we have created a broad area feedthrough structure which, when placed in an optical network, will act as a tri-state optical switch. This device when forward biased will emit an optical signal; when reverse biased it will detect that optical signal with a 0.1 A/W responsivity, and with a 0.1-0.4V pre-bias it becomes semi-transparent. The diodes have been optimized for a modulation frequency of less than 50MHz and a wavelength of 900nm. These diodes will have broad application in local area networks, in automobiles and intra-instrumentation links.

© 1994 Optical Society of America