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arXiv:0906.4721 · Optics Letters

Optical memory based on ultrafast wavelength switching in a bistable microlaser

Sergei V. Zhukovsky, Dmitry N. Chigrin

Published Oct 23, 2009• 8 citations
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Abstract

We propose an optical memory cell based on ultrafast wavelength switching in coupled-cavity microlasers, featuring bistability between modes separated by several nanometers. A numerical implementation is demonstrated by simulating a two-dimensional photonic crystal microlaser. Switching times of less than 10 ps, switching energy around 15-30 fJ, and on-off contrast of more than 40 dB are achieved. Theoretical guidelines for optimizing the performance of the memory cell in terms of switching time and energy are drawn.

DOI
10.1364/ol.34.003310

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