High-Speed Light-Emitting Diodes.

摘要

This report describes the experimental and theoretical results of a program for the development of light-emitting diodes specifically designed for fiber-optic communications. Among the important achievements are the development of a diode capable of efficient operation at modulation frequencies in excess of 200 MHz, and the realization of a novel edge-emitting structure (the REED) which combines the efficiency of the surface-emitting diode with the narrow emission beam width of the edge emitter desirable for coupling into low numerical aperture (NA) fibers. One of the most important results discovered is the strong effect that adding Al to the GaAs in the recombination region has on improving the resistance to gradual degradation. By combining this characteristic with the use of edge-passivated stripe-contact structures, diodes have been demonstrated that operate at 1000 A/sq cm and exhibit no degradation after many thousands of hours.