Modulation of light by light in silicon-on-insulator waveguides

Abstract
We report infrared light modulation based on direct free-carrier absorption induced by visible light irradiation in silicon-on-insulator waveguides. An amplitude modulation depth of 96% and 89% was measured for waveguide light carrier at a wavelength of 1.55 and 1.32 μm. The frequency dependence of the modulation effect was measured as well.