ENHANCED REFRACTIVE-INDEX CHANGE IN ASYMMETRICAL QUANTUM-WELLS WITH AN APPLIED ELECTRIC-FIELD

We theoretically calculate the electric field induced refractive chang e index for the ground to first excited state transition in the conduc tion band of asymmetrical quantum wells. We show that there is a signi ficant change in stark shifts and the refractive index with asymmetry potential. Comparing the results for a square, graded, and step well, it is found that larger refractive index change can be achieved in a s tep well by a proper choice of the step potential.