Limits to modulation rates of electroabsorption modulators

• Published in: IEEE journal of quantum electronics Vol. 40; no. 4; pp. 400 - 405
• Main Authors: Forsberg, E., Hessmo, B., Thylen, L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01.04.2004; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: adiabatic approximation; Beam trapping, self-focusing and defocusing; self-phase modulation; dynamics; Electric breakdown; electroabsorption; Energy states; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); intersubband transitions; mu-m; Nonlinear optics; Optical elements, devices, and systems; Optical losses; Optical modulation; Optical processors, correlators, and modulators; Optical refraction; Optical variables control; Optics; Physics; Quantum cascade lasers; Quantum mechanics; quantum wells; Schrodinger equation; two-level system; UHF modulation; Voltage; Optical limiting; Adiabatic approximation; Frequency modulation; Optical modulators; Quantum mechanics; Quantum wells; Electroabsorption modulators; Theoretical study; Line widths; Modelling; Optical modulation; Nonlinear optics
• ISSN: 0018-9197; 1558-1713; 1558-1713
• DOI: 10.1109/JQE.2004.825209

We analyze the speed limitations of optical electroabsorption modulators. We argue that modulation rate limits are closely related to quantum mechanical adiabaticity. By analyzing the breakdown of the adiabatic approximation, analytical expressions for modulation limits are found. These expressions are numerically validated. Furthermore, we discuss the constraints on the allowable modulation rate set by losses from the quantum well and transition linewidth.