Method and apparatus for modulating light using semiconductor element having quantum well structure
US5229878A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB82Y20/00
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An optical modulation apparatus includes a semiconductor element having a quantum well structure, a unit for applying an electric field to the quantum well structure of the semiconductor element, a unit for supplying polarized probe light to the semiconductor element, the probe light emerging from the semiconductor element such that a polarization state thereof is changed by an electrooptical effect in the quantum well structure, a unit for causing the semiconductor element to receive pump light which causes virtual charge excitation in the quantum well structure, the virtual charge excitation screening the electric field applied to the quantum well structure, and a polarizer for converting a change in polarization state of the light emerging from the semiconductor element into a change in intensity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.