Patent ID: 6445839
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: B82Y,G02F,H04Q

Abstract:
A semiconductor device for modulating an optical power light beam at a first wavelength with an optical signal light beam at a second wavelength, said semiconductor device comprising:a) a detector diode comprising an upper contact layer; a detector absorbing layer for absorbing said optical signal light beam, and an upper cladding layer, said detector absorbing layer being located between said upper contact layer and said upper cladding layer; b) a modulator diode comprising said upper cladding layer, a modulator absorbing layer for absorbing said optical power light beam, and a lower cladding layer, said modulator absorbing layer being located between said upper cladding layer and said lower cladding layer and having an electric field-dependent absorption coefficient; c) a first voltage source connected across said upper contact layer and said upper cladding layer for applying a reverse bias voltage Vd to said detector diode; d) a second voltage source connected across said upper cladding layer and said lower cladding layer for applying a reverse bias voltage Vm to said modulator diode; e) an electric contact to said upper cladding layer for allowing a net charge to flow into and out of said semiconductor device for supporting diffusive electrical conduction in said upper cladding layer; wherein said optical signal light beam absorbed in said detector absorbing layer causes a local change in said detector diode reverse bias voltage Vd and causes a related local change in said modulator diode reverse bias voltage Vm thus altering said absorption coefficient of said modulator absorbing layer.