Guiding and control of optical beams in semiconductor epitaxial films [invited paper]

Abstract

This discussion reviews the theoretical background of the different building-block disciplines with special emphasis on the theoretical aspects of combining them to perform various optical functions. The general coupled mode theory is used to describe the following special cases: 1) mode coupling; 2) phase and amplitude modulation; 3) Bragg diffraction; 4) cutoff switching; and 5) field penetration control. We will review the recent experimental work at Caltech and specifically describe experiments involving electrooptic beam control, voltage controlled cutoff, diffraction grating fabrication, and waveguide fabrication by proton implantation, all in GaAs.