Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE

Optically bistable scheme with multiple lateral feedbacks

Vyacheslav A. Trofimov, Andrey Shobukhov

Published Nov 18, 2003• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We study an optically bistable scheme based on increasing absorption and equipped with multiple lateral feedbacks. These loops appear as a result of partial feeding of the output beam back into the semiconductor crystal through its side surface perpendicularly to the input beam. The cases of one-photon and two-photon absorption are considered. Using the mathematical model of the device we demonstrate bistability and compare two possibilities of switching from one steady state to another. We propose a technique which allows approximately fivefold reduction of the switching time and a decrease of energy consumption as compared with the existing devices based only on the increasing absorption.

DOI
10.1117/12.528060

Related papers

An optically bistable absorption scheme with additional lateral feedback loops

Vyacheslav A. Trofimov, Andrey Shobukhov

An optically bistable absorption system involving several feedback loops formed by the lateral supply of a fraction of light energy passed through a semiconductor with single-and two-photon absorption is analyzed. It is shown that multistability can be realized in the case of two-photon absorption. The use of several loops makes it possible to significantly reduce energy expenditures on switching and to reduce the switching time by approximately a factor of 10. A method of switching the system from one state to another by varying the reflectivities of side mirrors is proposed.

Optics and Spectroscopy•Apr 1, 2003•1 citation

Absorption optical bistable scheme with additional lateral feedback

Vyacheslav A. Trofimov, Andrey Shobukhov, A. S. Makarik

We consider an optically bistable scheme based on growing absorption and equipped with an additional lateral feedback loop. Mathematical model of this device is proposed and analyzed. We demonstrate the simultaneous transfer to instability of steady states that belong to upper and lower branches of the bistable media characteristic curve. This stability loss may cause either self-switching of the scheme from one steady state to another or generation of autooscillations. The latter may be used for the formation of pulse sequences with given duration. We show that adding several loops instead of one sufficiently decreases the input intensity, necessary for switching. The role of diffusion processes in pulse formation is discussed, and the spatially non-uniformal stationary solutions are demonstrated.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Sep 24, 1999•0 citations

Optical bistability due to increasing absorption

David A. B. Miller, Arthur C. Gossard, W. Wiegmann

It is shown theoretically that optical bistability will exist in a material whose optical absorption is more than linearly proportional to the degree to which the material is excited. No cavity or external feedback is required. The underlying principle of this bistability appears to be a generalization of several previous independent discussions of mirrorless bistabilities in specific physical systems. This bistability and associated differential gain are demonstrated experimentally using a thermal nonlinearity in a GaAs/GaAlAs multiple-quantum-well semiconductor. Theory and experiment show good agreement.

Optics Letters•May 1, 1984•100 citations

Optical bistability in active distributed—feedback structures: an experimental and theoretical study

Richard R. Wyatt, Mike J. Adams

Optical bistability in active semiconductor devices has attracted considerable interest recently due to the possibility of combining microwatt switching powers with nanosecond switching times. We present experimental and theoretical results of optical bistability in a distributed-feedback (DFB) laser amplifier operating in reflection at 1.5 μm; switch-on delay followed by a sharp transient overshoot is predicted and observed. Minimum switching energies are in the femtojoule region.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics•Jan 1, 1986•4 citations

Optical bistable devices as sensing elements

Ana Pilar Gonzalez-Marcos, Antonio Hurtado, José A. Martín-Pereda

The nonlinear optical properties of many materials and devices have been the main object of research as potential candidates for sensing in different places. Just one of these properties has been, in most of the cases, the basis for the sensing operation. As a consequence, just one parameter can be detected. In this paper, although just one property will be employed too, we will show the possibility to sense different parameters with just one type of sensor. The way adopted in this work is the use of the optical bistability obtained from different photonic structures. Because this optical bistability has a strong dependence on many different parameters the possibility to sense different inputs appears. In our case, we will report the use of some non-linear optical devices, mainly Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers, as sensing elements. Because their outputs depend on many parameters, as the incident light wavelength, polarization, intensity and direction, applied voltage and feedback characteristics, they can be employed to detect, at the same time, different type of signals. This is because the way these different signals affect to the sensor response is very different too and appears under a different set of characteristics.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Nov 30, 2004•4 citations

Low-switching energy optical bistable devices

M. Dagenais, Wayne F. Sharfin

We describe two approaches to low-energy switching and optical bistability. In one approach, which is a more fundamental approach, we use the nonlinearity associated with bound excitons in CdS to demonstrate the lowest total switching energy (4 pJ) of any optical device exhibiting two stable output states for the same input intensity.1 Bound excitons were chosen because they are known to have a very large oscillator strength (f = 7), a fast radiative decay (tspont = 500 ps), and they do not diffuse in the crystal, thus permitting a sharp focusing geometry. Furthermore, they are a good approximation to quantum dots. In a different experiment we have operated a standard diode laser structure below threshold and have demonstrated an efficient optical switch that can be used in thresholding and decision-making applications. The device switches with <400 aJ (4 × 10−16 J or <3000 photons) of optical energy incident on the device.2 During the switching operation, only 10 pJ of electrical power is dissipated. The switch operates at room temperature, is compatible with optical communication systems, and has a gain of the order of 15 dB, leading to the important properties of cascadability and large fan-out. The operation of a high contrast (5:1) AND gate was demonstrated.

Annual Meeting Optical Society of America•Jan 1, 1986•0 citations
We study an optically bistable scheme based on increasing absorption and equipped with multiple lateral feedbacks. These loops appear as a result of partial feeding of the output beam back into the semiconductor crystal through its side surface perpendicularly to the input beam. The cases of one-photon and two-photon absorption are considered. Using the mathematical model of the device we demonstrate bistability and compare two possibilities of switching from one steady state to another. We propose a technique which allows approximately fivefold reduction of the switching time and a decrease of energy consumption as compared with the existing devices based only on the increasing absorption.
An optically bistable absorption system involving several feedback loops formed by the lateral supply of a fraction of light energy passed through a semiconductor with single-and two-photon absorption is analyzed. It is shown that multistability can be realized in the case of two-photon absorption. The use of several loops makes it possible to significantly reduce energy expenditures on switching and to reduce the switching time by approximately a factor of 10. A method of switching the system from one state to another by varying the reflectivities of side mirrors is proposed.
We consider an optically bistable scheme based on growing absorption and equipped with an additional lateral feedback loop. Mathematical model of this device is proposed and analyzed. We demonstrate the simultaneous transfer to instability of steady states that belong to upper and lower branches of the bistable media characteristic curve. This stability loss may cause either self-switching of the scheme from one steady state to another or generation of autooscillations. The latter may be used for the formation of pulse sequences with given duration. We show that adding several loops instead of one sufficiently decreases the input intensity, necessary for switching. The role of diffusion processes in pulse formation is discussed, and the spatially non-uniformal stationary solutions are demonstrated.
It is shown theoretically that optical bistability will exist in a material whose optical absorption is more than linearly proportional to the degree to which the material is excited. No cavity or external feedback is required. The underlying principle of this bistability appears to be a generalization of several previous independent discussions of mirrorless bistabilities in specific physical systems. This bistability and associated differential gain are demonstrated experimentally using a thermal nonlinearity in a GaAs/GaAlAs multiple-quantum-well semiconductor. Theory and experiment show good agreement.
The nonlinear optical properties of many materials and devices have been the main object of research as potential candidates for sensing in different places. Just one of these properties has been, in most of the cases, the basis for the sensing operation. As a consequence, just one parameter can be detected. In this paper, although just one property will be employed too, we will show the possibility to sense different parameters with just one type of sensor. The way adopted in this work is the use of the optical bistability obtained from different photonic structures. Because this optical bistability has a strong dependence on many different parameters the possibility to sense different inputs appears. In our case, we will report the use of some non-linear optical devices, mainly Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers, as sensing elements. Because their outputs depend on many parameters, as the incident light wavelength, polarization, intensity and direction, applied voltage and feedback characteristics, they can be employed to detect, at the same time, different type of signals. This is because the way these different signals affect to the sensor response is very different too and appears under a different set of characteristics.
We describe two approaches to low-energy switching and optical bistability. In one approach, which is a more fundamental approach, we use the nonlinearity associated with bound excitons in CdS to demonstrate the lowest total switching energy (4 pJ) of any optical device exhibiting two stable output states for the same input intensity.1 Bound excitons were chosen because they are known to have a very large oscillator strength (f = 7), a fast radiative decay (tspont = 500 ps), and they do not diffuse in the crystal, thus permitting a sharp focusing geometry. Furthermore, they are a good approximation to quantum dots. In a different experiment we have operated a standard diode laser structure below threshold and have demonstrated an efficient optical switch that can be used in thresholding and decision-making applications. The device switches with <400 aJ (4 × 10−16 J or <3000 photons) of optical energy incident on the device.2 During the switching operation, only 10 pJ of electrical power is dissipated. The switch operates at room temperature, is compatible with optical communication systems, and has a gain of the order of 15 dB, leading to the important properties of cascadability and large fan-out. The operation of a high contrast (5:1) AND gate was demonstrated.