1550 nm transmissive/reflective surface-normal electroabsorption modulator arrays

Arrays of surface-normal 1550 nm transmissive/reflective dual-function electroabsorption modulators based on InGaAs/InAlAs coupled quantum wells are investigated for free-space and optical fibre communications. The modulators can readily be switched between transmissive or reflective mode by using a removable Au mirror, which provides flexibility in the optical system configuration for different applications. The modulators exhibit contrast ratio of 2:1 at 3 V driving bias and contrast ratio of 2:1 over 30 nm bandwidth at 6 V. The maximum contrast ratio of 4:1 is achieved at a 12 V driving voltage