Patent
1988-06-10
1990-09-04
LaRoche, Eugene R.
G02F 101
Patent
active
049539558
ABSTRACT:
Multiple quantum well (MQW) structures (12) are utilized to provide real-time, reliable, high-performance, optically-addressed spatial-light modulators (SLM) (10). The optically-addressed SLM comprises a vertical stack of quantum well layers (12a) within the penetration depth of an optical write signal 18, a plurality of space charge barriers (12b) having predetermined tunneling times by control of doping and thickness. The material comprising the quantum well layers has a lower bandgap than that of the space charge barrier layers. The write signal modulates a read signal (20). The modulation sensitivity of the device is high and no external voltage source is required. In a preferred embodiment, the SLM having interleaved doped semiconductor layers for driving the MQW photovoltaically is characterized by the use of a shift analogous to the Moss-Burnstein shift caused by the filling of two-dimensional states in the multiple quantum wells, thus allowing high modulation sensitivity in very narrow wells. Arrays (30) may be formed with a plurality of the modulators.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4528464 (1985-07-01), Chemla et al.
patent: 4536061 (1985-08-01), Nishimura
patent: 4626075 (1986-12-01), Chemla
patent: 4761620 (1988-08-01), Bar-Joseph et al.
California Institute of Technology
Collins David W.
LaRoche Eugene R.
McCutcheon Nathan W.
LandOfFree
Photovoltaic driven multiple quantum well optical modulator does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Photovoltaic driven multiple quantum well optical modulator, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Photovoltaic driven multiple quantum well optical modulator will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-437377