Abstract

Due to symmetry considerations, polarization rotation is not possible for light incident normal to a multiple quantum well (MQW) structure (lattice matched or pseudomorphic). However, an external perturbation, such as uniaxial stress along the x (or y) direction, breaks the rotation symmetry, mixing the heavy and light holes in the MQW and resulting in an anisotropic excitonic absorption. In combination with the quantum confined Stark effect (QCSE), tunable polarization rotation can be achieved. In this paper we present the concept and report the first demonstration to our knowledge of such a device with an exceedingly high contrast rato of 330:1.

© 1993 Optical Society of America