Combined Franz-Keldysh and quantum-confined Stark effect waveguide modulator for analog signal transmission

A novel approach to the design of electroabsorption waveguide modulators for use in broadband, analog radio frequency (RF) links is presented. The approach utilizes a linear combination of two electroabsorption effects (the Franz-Keldysh effect and the quantum-confined Stark effect) to improve the spurious-free dynamic range of the waveguide modulator. Measured transfer curves verify simultaneous improvement in linearity and modulation efficiency for an exemplary combination structure. Residual absorption is modeled to determine the impact on modulation efficiency.

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