Design And Fabrication Of A Dual Mode Laser/Detector Diode

There are many applications for half duplex data links such as local area networks and opto-electronic sensors. A single device functioning both as a laser under forward bias and a detector under reverse bias would solve the problems of coupling losses, require only a single strand of fiber, and would increase system efficiency. At the University of Delaware, a novel structure for a double heterostructure laser has been proposed which utilizes the Franz-Keldysh Effect to shift the absorption edge of the laser material and consequently increase detection efficiency. At the same time, the device is an efficient forward biased laser. This paper describes the design and fabrication of the diode as well the performance of the device as an laser and as a detector.