Planar array antenna coupled InGaAs/InAlAs multi-quantum well optical modulator for 60 GHz band millimeter wave...

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Materials Science
• Wireless Communications

Background:

• Radio-over-fiber (RoF) systems require efficient modulation of millimeter-wave signals.
• Existing optical modulators face challenges in achieving high performance at high frequencies.
• Quantum well structures offer potential for advanced optical modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a Fe-InP-based planar array antenna-coupled InGaAs/InAlAs multiple quantum well (MQW) optical phase modulator.
• To achieve efficient modulation of 60 GHz millimeter-wave signals for RoF applications.
• To investigate the performance of five-layer asymmetric coupled quantum wells (FACQWs) in an optical modulator.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a planar array antenna-coupled MQW optical phase modulator.
• Design of FACQWs for significant electric-field-induced refractive index change.
• Characterization of the modulator's carrier-to-sideband ratio (CSR) and phase shift.
• Demonstration of data transmission using a 60 GHz wireless carrier wave.

Main Results:

• Achieved a carrier-to-sideband ratio (CSR) of up to 45.9 dB at a power density of 11 W/m².
• Obtained a phase shift of 10.1 mrad.
• Successfully demonstrated data transmission of a 2 GHz modulated wave with a 60 GHz wireless carrier wave.

Conclusions:

• The proposed Fe-InP-based MQW optical phase modulator is suitable for 60 GHz RoF applications.
• The FACQW design enables efficient modulation with small electric fields.
• The demonstrated performance highlights the potential of this technology for high-frequency wireless communication.