Patent ID: 6710367
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: B82Y,G02F

Abstract:
A quantum-confined Stark effect semiconductor optical modulator, operable to modulate light of a particular wavelength in the range of around 780 to 840 nm, comprising:a p-i-n diode having p, intrinsic and n regions, as well as first and second electrical contacts for application of a voltage; a modulating voltage source for applying a reverse bias to said first and second contacts; said intrinsic region having a plurality of semiconductor layers defining a plurality of quantum wells having a certain bandgap energy, separated by inter-well barrier layers having a certain bandgap energy above that of said quantum wells; said quantum wells including at least two ultra-thin intra-well barrier layers within said quantum well, said ultra-thin intra-well barrier layers being of a material having a certain bandgap energy above that of said quantum wells; the width of each said ultra-thin intra-well barrier layer being no more than two molecular layers thick.