A proposal for an all-optical memory based on a bistability of single-modestates in a dual-mode diode laser with time-delayed optical feedback ispresented. The system is modeled using a multimode extension of theLang-Kobayashi equations with injected optical pulses. We uncover thebifurcation structure by deriving analytical expressions for the boundaries ofthe bistable region and demonstrate how the delay time in the external cavitydetermines an optimal pulse duration for efficient switching of the memoryelement. We also show the relevant role played by gain saturation and by thedual-mode solutions of the Lang-Kobayashi equations for the existence of thebistable regions. Our results demonstrate that feedback induced bistability canlead to significant performance improvements when compared to memory elementsbased on the injection locking bistability in dual-mode devices.
展开▼
