Optically controlled semiconductor waveguide interferometer apparatus

摘要

An optically controlled semiconductor waveguide interferometer apparatus includes a Mach-Zehnder interferometer formed of semiconductor laser materials. A first optoelectronic switching means is adapted to be coupled across a first voltage potential and one of the optical paths of the interferometer. The first optoelectronic switching means has a first gap therein. Likewise, a second optoelectronic switching means is adapted to be coupled across a second voltage potential and the other of the optical paths. The second optoelectronic switching means has a respective gap therein. Light pulses are applied to the two gaps for controlling the index of refraction of the optical paths, whereby the light pulses control the interferometer so that the output intensity of the interferometer is modulated.