Coherent encoding of THz signals onto optical signals by THz electro-absorption effect in quantum dots, enabling Tbit/s data rates in Radio-over-Fiber systems

Direct and polarization-independent modulation of electro-absorption in quantum dots (QDs) resonant with the optical carrier, by an incident stream of THz pulses. QD is a smallest possible semiconductor element, consisting of only a few thousands of atoms. The RC-constant of a QD is negligible, thus providing for virtually unlimited switching speeds, if the QD is addressed directly by high-frequency modulation signal.