We developed advanced techniques for the growth of self-assembled quantum dots (QDs) for fabricating a broadband light source that can be applied to optical coherence tomography (OCT). Four QD ensembles and strain reducing layers (SRLs) were grown in selective areas on a wafer by the use of a 90° rotational metal mask. The SRL thickness was varied to achieve appropriate shifts in the peak wavelength of the QD emission spectrum of up to 120 nm. The four-color QD ensembles were expected to have a broad bandwidth of more than 160 nm due to the combination of excited state emissions when introduced in a current-induced broadband light source such as a superluminescent diode (SLD). Furthermore, a desired shape of the SLD spectrum can be obtained by controlling the injection current applied to each QD ensemble. The broadband and spectrum shape controlled light source is promising for high-resolution and low-noise OCT systems.

This paper reviews our recent activities on nanophotonics based on a photonic crystal (PC)/quantum dot (QD)-combined structure for an all-optical device and a metal/semiconductor composite structure using surface plasmon (SP) and negative refractive index material (NIM). The former structure contributes to an ultrafast signal processing component by virtue of new PC design and QD selective-area-growth technologies, while the latter provides a new RGB color filter with a high precision and optical beam-steering device with a wide steering angle.

An all-optical switch based on a single photonic crystal defect with an air-bridge configuration and two-photon absorption was proposed, fabricated and characterized. In optical measurements, we obtained a sharp defect mode with a quality factor higher than 600 at 1.55 µm. More importantly, we observed its nonlinear response to the excitation of ultrashort pulses by utilizing two-photon absorption. Nonliner refractive index change of about -410-3 was achieved at a pumping power density of 3.6109 W/cm2.

We have fabricated several two-dimensional photonic-crystal (2DPC) slab waveguides by using fine electron beam lithography and dry etching. The 2DPC waveguides include straight, bend, Y-branch, directional coupler, and coupled-cavity waveguides on the GaAs/AlGaAs substrate as an application to the ultra-small and ultra-fast all-optical switching device. Transmission spectra and near field patterns were characterized in a wide wavelength range from 850 to 1600 nm with the sample finished to the air-bridge type 2DPC slab. These waveguides appear to be suitable for achieving the waveguide platform in the symmetrical-Mach-Zehnder device.

We propose a built-in planar lens for coupling light to a waveguide on a 2-D photonic crystal (PhC) membrane. A 2-D PhC waveguide with the built-in lens has been fabricated with AlGaAs. Improvement in coupling performance is discussed in comparison to waveguides with straight ends as cleaved.