Optical bistability and switching by nonlinear waveguiding in semiconductor lasers and laser amplifiers

Abstract

Two schemes for sub-nanosecond bistable switching using nonlinear waveguiding in coupled semiconductor lasers are described and analyzed. Using longitudinally coupled lasers in an external cavity gives rise to photon lifetime limited switching, but the system is cumbersome and susceptible to low-frequency self-pulsations and noise. Laterally coupled twin stripe lasers offer a monolithically integrated alternative, in which switching times are limited by carrier diffusion.