Semiconductor optical modulators are described that utilize bipolar junction transistor (BJT) structure within the optical modulator. The junctions within the BJT can be designed and biased to increase modulator efficiency and speed. An optical mode may be located in a selected region of the BJT structure to improve modulation efficiency. The BJT structure can be included in optical waveguides of interferometers and resonators to form optical modulators.

Semiconductor optical modulators are described that utilize bipolar junction transistor (BJT) structure within the optical modulator. The junctions within the BJT can be designed and biased to increase modulator efficiency and speed. An optical mode may be located in a selected region of the BJT structure to improve modulation efficiency. The BJT structure can be included in optical waveguides of interferometers and resonators to form optical modulators.

Structures for an electro-optic modulator and methods of fabricating such structures. A first plurality of cavities are formed in a bulk semiconductor substrate. A passive waveguide arm includes a first core arranged over the first plurality of cavities. The passive waveguide arm has an input port and an output port that is spaced lengthwise from the input port. An epitaxial semiconductor layer is arranged over the bulk semiconductor substrate, and includes a second plurality of cavities. An active waveguide arm includes a second core that is arranged over the second plurality of cavities. The second core of the active waveguide arm is coupled with the input port of the first core of the passive waveguide arm, and the second core of the active waveguide arm is also coupled with the output port of the first core of the passive waveguide arm.

Provided are an electro-optical device, a laser device, and an electro-optical dual-comb generator. The electro-optical device includes a waveguide configured to generate a dispersive wave of which a center wavelength is different from a center wavelength of the incident wave of the waveguide, and a wavelength modulator disposed along the waveguide and configured to absorb the incident wave propagating through the waveguide, wherein, as the wavelength modulator absorbs the incident wave, the center wavelength of the dispersive wave changes.

A hybrid MOS optical modulator. The optical modulator includes an optical waveguide, a cathode comprising a first material and formed in the optical waveguide, and an anode comprising a second material dissimilar from the first material and formed in the optical waveguide, the anode adjoining the cathode, a capacitor being defined between the anode and the cathode.

Systems and methods are provided for non-volatile optical storage devices that leverage photon avalanche-induced carrier trapping in semiconductor materials. Examples herein include a crystalline semiconductor layer disposed on a substrate and an amorphous layer disposed on the crystalline semiconductor layer. The crystalline semiconductor layer comprises an optical waveguide and a PN junction formed in the optical waveguide. An optical source is configured to emit light of a wavelength into the optical waveguide and a power source is configured to supply a first voltage bias across the PN junction that causes an amplitude of optical power of light emitted from the optical waveguide to change from a first amplitude to a second amplitude. The optical waveguide emits light at the second amplitude while the first voltage bias is supplied and after the first voltage bias is removed.

An optical modulator includes a slab of silicon, a first layer of silicon disposed on the slab, and a second layer. The second layer includes a mixture of germanium and silicon. The second layer is at least partially disposed on the first layer. The second layer includes an intrinsic portion of the mixture and further includes first and second doped portions disposed on opposite sides of the intrinsic portion. The intrinsic portion and the first and second doped portions form an active region of the optical modulator.