Integrated, Bistable Gain-Quenched Vertical Cavity/In-Plane Lasers for SmartPixel Switching, Free-Space Interconnects, and Optical Memory Applications

摘要

New experimental results demonstrate optical bistability and two-input NOR gateoperation in intracavity-coupled in-plane and vertical cavity lasers (VCSELs) fabricated from the same epitaxial material. Hysteresis is present in the VCSEL Output power vs. in-plane laser input power characteristics, and an optical memory effect is observed in the combined device. Also reported is the experimental demonstration of monolithic All-optical 1:N routing switches using CW gain-quenched, intracavity-coupled in-plane and vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) at the switching elements.