Birefringent properties of GaAlAs multiple quantum well planar optical waveguides

Planar GaAlAs optical waveguides in which the waveguide core region is composed of multiple quantum wells are considered. Calculations of optical waveguide dispersion are performed to determine variations in effective refractive indexes for TE and TM modes and in the mode birefringence for large ranges of total waveguide thickness, number, and refractive index of well and barrier layers, and the ratio of well and barrier layer thickness. Ranges of these parameters which yield optical waveguides having unusually high birefringence and optical waveguides supporting single polarization planar propagation only are identified.>