Bulk II–VI semi-insulating ternary alloy Cd0.9Zn0.1Te is characterized as a basic material for all-optical switching functions on free-space beams at λ = 1.5μm. The adopted switching mechanism jointly exploits photoconduction and the linear electro-optic effect. Cd0.9Zn0.1Te proves to be six orders of magnitude faster than binary CdTe:In working in the same configuration. Control-beam fluence of less than 0.02 nJ/μm2 is sufficient for complete switching, and an extinction ratio of 23 dB is obtained, limited by spurious crystal birefringence. The role of material parameters in determining switching performances is discussed. A first estimate of the applicability of the switching principle in itself to communication signals is also given.
Experimental characterization of ternary Cd0.9Zn0.1Te as a basic material for all-optical processing in the 1.5 um range
PIETRALUNGA, SILVIA MARIA;MARTINELLI, MARIO
2001-01-01
Abstract
Bulk II–VI semi-insulating ternary alloy Cd0.9Zn0.1Te is characterized as a basic material for all-optical switching functions on free-space beams at λ = 1.5μm. The adopted switching mechanism jointly exploits photoconduction and the linear electro-optic effect. Cd0.9Zn0.1Te proves to be six orders of magnitude faster than binary CdTe:In working in the same configuration. Control-beam fluence of less than 0.02 nJ/μm2 is sufficient for complete switching, and an extinction ratio of 23 dB is obtained, limited by spurious crystal birefringence. The role of material parameters in determining switching performances is discussed. A first estimate of the applicability of the switching principle in itself to communication signals is also given.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
