CREATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF VERTICAL-CAVITY X-MODULATORS

We have developed a photon conserving, reversible optoelectronic inten sity modulator, The device works by using quantum wells in a slightly asymmetric Fabry-Perot cavity to direct an incident optical beam to tr ansmit through the device or to be reflected from the device depending upon the state of the switching element, The first experimental devic e simultaneously switches reflectivity and transmission from 6% to 60% and 60% to 6%, respectively, We also examine the cavity design parame ter space and effects of incident angle on device performance. Further more, experimental results from combinations of stacked devices are di scussed, A theoretical analysis of the X-modulator design parameter sp ace is given as is an analysis of the system response of our two eleme nt stacked devices, Finally, a thorough theoretical treatment of cross bar switches using symmetric X-modulators is provided.