Multiple Quantum-Well Asymmetric Fabry-Perot Etalons for High-Contrast, Low-Insertion-Loss Optical Modulation

Abstract
A method of improving the performance of an electroabsorptive optical modulator is presented. By using GaAs-AlGaAs multiple quantum wells as the active region of an asymmetric (low-finesse) Fabry-Pérot cavity it is possible to achieve both large, broad-band reflection changes and high contrast with low operating voltage.