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D Ronaldson, H A Mackenzie, J I Hughes

|August 14, 2010

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This study demonstrates bistable switching in an indium antimonide (InSb) étalon using minority carrier injection. This novel method achieves significant refractive index changes with low voltage pulses for potential optical device applications.

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Area of Science:

Semiconductor physics
Optoelectronics
Materials science

Background:

Étalons are optical filters sensitive to refractive index changes.
Controlling refractive index is crucial for tunable optical devices.
Indium antimonide (InSb) offers unique optoelectronic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

To demonstrate bistable switching in an InSb étalon.
To utilize minority carrier injection for refractive index modulation.
To analyze the switching characteristics and performance of this novel device.

Main Methods:

Fabrication of an InSb étalon with an integrated p-n junction.
Inducing refractive index changes via minority carrier injection using voltage pulses.
Characterizing the optical switching behavior (ON/OFF states).

Main Results:

Achieved bistable switching in the InSb étalon.
Demonstrated refractive index modulation of ~10^-5 using 3-V pulses.
Detailed analysis of switch ON/OFF dynamics and projected performance.

Conclusions:

Minority carrier injection is an effective method for modulating refractive index in InSb étalons.
The demonstrated technique enables low-voltage, bistable optical switching.
The InSb étalon shows promise for future optoelectronic applications.