Patent ID: 6603138
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A quantum confinement Stark effect (QCSE) optical modulator comprising a compound semiconductor substrate, and a layer structure formed thereon, said layer structure including an AlGaInAs-based multiple quantum well (MQW), a pair of cladding layers having opposite conductivity types and sandwiching therebetween said MQW, and an Al-containing layer overlying said MQW or formed within one of said cladding layers having a p-type conductivity, said layer structure being configured as a ridge stripe at a portion including said Al-containing layer, said Al-containing layer having a current confinement structure wherein a pair of Al-oxidized regions of said Al-containing layer sandwiches therebetween a central un-oxidized region of said Al-containing layer.