Abstract
We have studied the possibility to utilize semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) as an optical phase shifter within a vertical geometry for ultrafast information processing. From theoretical analyses, an optical phase nonlinearity in QD structures has been predicted which can be enhanced through the use of an vertical optical cavity. Asymmetric cavity structures with 16/30 periods of GaAs/AlGaAs layers for the front/back mirrors have been fabricated to demonstrate a practical device with significant nonlinear characteristics for optical switching. A phase shift of 18° has been initially observed with a tilted pump scheme. This observation paves the way toward a Mach–Zehnder optical switch using QDs inside a vertical cavity.
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