Large non-biased all-optical bistability in an electroabsorption modulator using p-i-n-i-p diode and asymmetric Fabry–Perot cavity structure

Abstract

We have constructed a non-biased all-optical bistable device using electroabsorption in multiple quantum wells (MQWs). The device is made of a serial connection of two identical double p-i-n (p-i-n-i-p) diode structures within asymmetric Fabry–Perot (AFP) cavity. This scheme ensures both large internal electric field swing and full exploitation of the light intensity. From the measurement of the diode properties, the non-biased bistability parameters—reflection change of 19%, contrast ratio of 17:1, and bistable loop width of 70%—were obtained.