Self-electrooptic effect device for providing integer gain to input optical signals having series connected quantum well diodes

摘要

Enhanced optical information processing capability is achieved by providing a self-electrooptic effect device (SEED) which modulates one or more power supply beams to provide integer gain in an input optical signal. This "integer gain" SEED includes a predetermined number of quantum well diodes electrically connected in series with a current supply so that, at steady state, each quantum well diode conducts the same current and thus absorbs the same amount of optical power. An optical input signal is replicated by configuring the quantum well diodes such that each quantum well diode receives its own power supply beam. The optical input signal is amplified by configuring the quantum well diodes such that a single power supply beam passes through all of the quantum well diodes.