Measurement-Based Model for Cross-Absorption Modulation in an MQW Electroabsorption Modulator

Abstract

A model for cross-absorption modulation in a multiple-quantum-well electroabsorption modulator is developed based on measurements of the escape time of photogenerated carriers, the dependence of the modulator absorption on the power and wavelength of the pump and probe signals, and the dependence of the /spl alpha/ parameter of the wavelength-converted signal on the power and wavelength of the pump and probe signals. Good agreement between calculated and measured results is demonstrated for static, small-signal and large-signal conditions. The accuracy and computational efficiency of the model in describing the intensity and phase modulation properties of a wavelength-converted signal make it suitable for computer simulations aimed at system design and performance evaluation.