Abstracts Computer Science

Temperature dependence of QCSE modulator and detector efficiency for free-space optical interconnect applications

by Michael B. Venditti

An analysis of the effects of temperature on the efficiency of operation of QCSE modulators and detectors for use in FSOI applications is presented. Analysis is based on the measured characteristics of incompletely processed QCSE devices. The characterization of these devices involved the measurement of their absorption characteristics, which was achieved with an experimental test station that could measure the photocurrent generated in the device through controlled optical stimulus and device parameters such as wavelength, device bias, and device temperature. The results of these characterizations are then used to calculate selected figures of merit for QCSE modulators and detectors flip-chipped onto silicon CMOS circuitry. These calculations are based on the structural geometry of typical fully processed QCSE devices. Subsequently, the sensitivity of each type of device to temperature is quantified by identifying temperature ranges for which its figure of merit remains sufficiently high. Techniques that can be used to achieve minimum temperature sensitivity are also discussed, and the benefits of their implementation are quantified.