Modal bistability in asymmetric twin ridge semiconductor lasers

摘要

The modal operation of asymmetric twin ridge waveguide lasers is investigated. A regime of operation is theoretically identified where modal switching is possible. Modal bistability is observed in this regime, and shows novel properties in that it is observed to be triggered optically, and not electrically. The switching speed is limited to 5 ns, but the switching is not critically dependant on trigger wavelength.