Enhanced performance of optical sources in III-V materials using photonic crystals

This thesis applies the unique properties of photonic crystals to enhance the performance of several III-V optical sources. Emphasis is placed on the primary limitation of using photonic crystals for III-V optical sources: nonradiative recombination pathways introduced at the high dielectric contrast interfaces of the photonic crystal. Chapter 1 begins the thesis by providing a theoretical and historical framework for photonic crystals, and lays the foundation for the design of the novel optical sources presented in the later chapters. Chapter 2 develops a framework for improving the external efficiency of a semiconductor LED using photonic crystals. The design, fabrication, and testing of a novel high-efficiency semiconductor LED is described in detail. To improve coupling to radiation modes without introducing nonradiative surface recombination pathways, a triangular lattice photonic crystal in two-dimensions is etched into the top layer of an asymmetric InGaP/InGaAs quantum well structure emitting at 980 nm. Enhanced injection and external efficiency of the LED is demonstrated. Chapter 3 develops methods of laterally steam oxidizing AlAs into A1203 to form large-area wide stop-band one-dimensional Al203/GaAs photonic crystals. The mechanical stability of the high-dielectric contrast interface determines the quality of the photonic crystal and is therefore explored in detail by examining the AlAs steam oxidation process. The A1203/GaAs photonic crystal is integrated with an InP/InGaAs absorber region and used to self-start ultra-short 35 femtosecond pulses in a Cr4+:YAG laser. Chapter 4 develops the design, fabrication, and testing of a novel low-threshold microcavity laser.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2002

Author dc:creator

• Erchak, Alexei A. (Alexei Andrew), 1976-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Leslie A. Kolodziejski and Lionel C. Kimerling.

• Materials Science and Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/8441

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/8441