Characterization of a novel GaAs-based microwave optical switch

A monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) is a microwave circuit in which active and passive components are fabricated on the same semiconductor substrate. In MMIC circuits, PIN diodes are employed extensively in circuit applications such as phase shifters, switches and attenuator as current controlled element. In these applications, the impedance of a forward-biased PIN diode becomes the primary electrical parameter that determines the diode performance. Because of its optical sensitivity, PIN diodes can be employed in the area of optical switching