Abstract
We present an overview of the properties and applications of optical bistability in vertical-cavity semiconductor optical amplifiers (VCSOAs). The basic physics and analytical models of this optical nonlinearity are discussed. Experimental results obtained from a VCSOA operated in the 850 nm wavelength region are presented. 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. Numerical simulations based on the Fabry-Perot resonator model and rate equations we developed show good agreement with our experimental observations. In addition, a low input intensity high contrast (10:1) optical AND gate and 2R regeneration are demonstrated, We believe that bistable VCSOAs can significantly advance the prospect of a dense two-dimensional array of low-switching-intensity all-optical logic and memory elements.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 6349-6357 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Applied Optics |
Volume | 45 |
Issue number | 25 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 1 2006 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
- Engineering (miscellaneous)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering