Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
We report the realization of (a) an optically bistable switch using astrained resonant tunneling diode (RTD) and (b) highly strained RTDsexhibiting simultaneously high peak current densities (Jp) andpeak-to-valley current ratios (PVR) suitable for high-speed electronicswitching. Both of these make use of RTDs with (InAs)M/(GaAs)N strained short period multiplequantum well regions with AlAs barriers in a triple-well, double barrierstructure. For the former, high contrast ratio (20:1) and an on statereflectivity of 46.5 % has been obtained at room temperature in an opticallybistable switch involving a strained InGaAs/GaAs (100) multiple quantum wellbased asymmetric Fabty-Perot reflection modulator, detector, and a strainedRTD and a Si field effect transistor. For the latter, we have obtained a Jp of 125 kA/cm2 with a PVR of 4.7 at roomtemperature.