Double polarization anisotropy in asymmetric, coupled quantum wells under anisotropic, inplane strain

A novel coupled-quantum-well system is described in which the inplane, anisotropic strain in successive well layers alternates between compression and tension. A polarization anisotropy in the interband optical matrix elements that arises due to anisotropic strain is reversed between the compressive and tensile cases. Hence, transitions associated with the different well layers have reversed polarization anisotropies. The structure of interest has great flexibility in the energies of successive interband transitions, and in the size of the anisotropy of the various transitions. The structure can be used in describing quantum-well properties, in optical multiplexing, and in devices such as modulators.