self-electro-optic effect device

The self-electro-optic effect (SEED) device is a type of optical switch that utilizes quantum wells to change the transmission of photons when a voltage is applied. These devices are crucial for advancing optical switching technology, which aims to overcome the speed limitations of purely electronic systems in processing and transmitting data.1

SEED devices are composed of thin layers of different semiconductor materials. When a voltage is applied, the quantum wells significantly alter photon transmission, acting as an optical modulator essential for photonic circuits. Variations like the symmetric SEED (S-SEED) are being developed for larger interconnection networks. While these optical technologies enhance electronic systems, they are not intended to replace them entirely. The development of optoelectronic and photonic integrated circuits has been facilitated by advanced epitaxial growth techniques for semiconductor materials.1