Theory of zero-birefringence multiple-quantum-well optical waveguides

Several types of multiple-quantum-well (MQW) optical waveguides are analyzed theoretically. We show that MQW waveguides in the form of ridge, deep-ridge, and strip-loaded waveguides can be designed to exhibit zero modal birefringence, and numerous such designs are possible. The effects of the physical parameters of the waveguides on the zero-birefringence conditions are highlighted with numerical examples. Zero-birefringence MQW waveguides are potentially useful for forming polarization-insensitive MQW-based optoelectronic devices.