Large–area, three–state, binary amplitude and binary phase vertical–cavity multiple quantum well electroabsorption modulator

Abstract

We present the design and characterization of a large optical modulator array based on GaAs multiple quantum wells for amplitude and phase modulation. The device shows two high-reflectance states with a phase difference close to 180 degrees for use as a binary phase modulator. It also shows a third, low-reflectance state for use as an amplitude modulator. It is segmented into 64 pixels in a single row, giving an active area of 2mm x 5mm. We discuss the device performance as a ternary binary amplitude and binary phase modulator, including contrast ratio and uniformity, and show that a voltage swing of only 5V is needed to drive it.