Abstract
We report, the first time to our knowledge, an observation of optical testability in a Vertical-Cavity Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (VCSOA) operated in reflection mode. Counterclockwise hysteresis loops are obtained over a range of initial phase detuning and bias currents. One hysteresis loop is observed experimentally with an input power as low as 2 μW when the device is biased at 98% of its lasing threshold. We also numerically simulate the optical bistability and obtain good agreement with our experimental observations. Bistable VCSOAs significantly advances the prospect of dense 2-D array of low switching-intensity all-optical logic and memory elements.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1273-1278 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Optics express |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 22 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 2002 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics