AlGaAs/GaAs optically controlled wave-plate modulator

We demonstrate an AlGaAs/GaAs multiple-quantum-well optically controlled electro-optic wave-plate modulator that uses integrated optics. For operation as an optically controlled switch, output amplitude contrast ratios of greater than 300:1 are typically obtained with signal beam throughputs of 34% and an extrapolated switching speed of 1.5 ns. For applications as an optically controlled wave plate, we have measured the linear, r(41), and quadratic, R(11)-R(12), electro-optic coefficients of the waveguide at the signal wavelengths and the device photo-generated current sensitivity at the control beam wavelength.