Investigation into the integration of a resonant tunnelling diode and an optical communications laser: model and experiment

Slight, T.J. and Ironside, C.N. (2007) Investigation into the integration of a resonant tunnelling diode and an optical communications laser: model and experiment. IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics, 43(7), pp. 580-587. (doi: 10.1109/JQE.2007.898847)

Abstract

A resonant tunnelling diode has been monolithically integrated with an optical communications laser [the resonant tunnelling diode (RTD-LD)] to form a simple optoelectronic integrated circuit (OEIC) that is a novel bistable device suitable for an optical communications system. The RTD-LD was based on a ridge-waveguide laser structure and was fabricated from an InAlGaAs-InP epi-wafer grown by molecular beam epitaxy; it emitted at around 1500 nm. Voltage controlled optical-electrical switching and bistability were observed during the characterisation of the RTD-LD - useful features for a fibre-optic communications laser. Optical and electrical simulations of the RTD-LD were carried out using the circuit simulation tool PSPICE. In addition, a discrete component version of the RTD-LD was constructed which exhibited optical power oscillations, and along with the results of the simulations, gave insight into the operating principles of the monolithically integrated RTD-LD.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Driver circuits, integrated optoelectronics, optical bistability, optical fiber communication, resonant tunneling, diodes(RTDs) semiconductor lasers.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ironside, Professor Charles
• Authors: Slight, T.J., and Ironside, C.N.
• Subjects: Q Science > QC Physics; T Technology > T Technology (General)
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering; University Centres > Glasgow Materials Research Initiative
• Journal Name: IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics
• Publisher: IEEE
• ISSN: 0018-9197
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2007 IEEE
• First Published: First published in IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics 43(7):580-587
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.