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

Dynamical equations for excitonic nonlinearities in MQW structures

Gian Paolo Bava, Pierluigi Debernardi, Luigi A. Lugiato

Published Aug 1, 1990• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

A model is presented for the dynamical evolution of optical bistable devices based on Multiple Quantum Well structures, in which the electric field is near resonance with an excitonic line, and the parameters which appear in the equations are discussed. For room ternperature operation, examples of steady state response curves are presented. In conditions of adiabatic elimination of the exciton density and within the assumption of small carrier density, it is shown that the set of equations is equivalent to the well known model for optical bistability in two level systems.

DOI
10.1117/12.20643

Related papers

Dynamic Model for Optical Bistability in Multiple Quantum-Well Structures

Gian Paolo Bava, P. Debernadri, Luigi A. Lugiato +1 more

We formulate a set of dynamical equations, which govern the dynamical evolution of optically bistable systems based on Multiple Quantum Well Structures, in conditions of quasi-resonance with an excitonic line. The steady state diagrams indicate the possibility of bistability in this system.

Nonlinear Dynamics in Optical Systems•Jan 1, 1990•0 citations

Static and Dynamic Optical Bistability in Fabry-Pérot and Distributed Feedback Resonators with Quantum Well structures

F. Castelli, L. A. Lugiato, Gian Paolo Bava +1 more

Recently relevant results on optical bistability in Multiple Quantum Well (MQW) structures at room temperature have been reported [1]. In this paper a rather complete model for optical bistability in Fabry-Pérot (FP) and Distributed Feedback devices (DFB) including a MQW structure is described. It includes the optical dielectric response of the MQW structure, the static output power vs. input power and finally the dynamical behaviour.

Nonlinear Dynamics in Optical Systems•Jan 1, 1992•0 citations

Optical bistability in a multiple-quantum-well structure with Fabry-Pérot and distributed-feedback resonators

Gian Paolo Bava, F. Castelli, Pierluigi Debernardi +1 more

The system we analyze has the structure of a planar optical waveguide containing a multiple quantum well, with the planes of the wells parallel to the direction of propagation. We consider the two different configurations of a Fabry-P\'erot cavity and distributed-feedback device. The optical nonlinearities are described by means of the first-principles theory developed by Haug, Koch, Schmitt-Rink, and co-workers, generalized to include the finite width of the wells. The dynamics of the system is described by the equations that govern the evolution of the two counterpropagating fields, coupled with the carrier-density equation, and accompanied by the appropriate boundary conditions. The steady-state behavior is analyzed as a function of the control parameters of the system for the case of a GaAs/${\mathrm{Al}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{\mathit{x}}$As/AlAs structure. The system develops bistability even when the input field is in resonance with the excitonic peak, but the phenomenon becomes more pronounced in the detuned configuration. The hysteresis cycles obtained in the case of distributed-feedback device turn out to be competitive with those displayed by the Fabry-P\'erot system.

Physical Review A•Apr 1, 1992•9 citations

Room-temperature excitonic optical bistability in bulk GaAs

Jack L. Jewell, Seth Ovadia, Nasser N. Peyghambarian +4 more

Optical bistable devices containing GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum well (MQW) structures have shown great potential for performing fast low-power optical switching at room temperature.1 The presence of a much stronger exciton absorption feature in the MQW structures compared to bulk GaAs suggests far superior performance in the former. We report the observation of room-temperature bistability in bulk GaAs with input power <10 mW and intensities of a few kW/cm2. The intensities are consistent with the data of Miller et al.2 which show a saturation intensity of nearly 4 kW/cm2 in a MQW sample with a detuning of less than a halfwidth from the peak of the exciton resonance. Our detunings are always several halfwidths.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics•Jan 1, 1984•1 citation

Models for Absorption-induced Optical Bistability in CdS and Multiple Quantum Well GaAs

Joseph W. Haus, Chi C. Sung, Y. C. Li +2 more

Mirrorless optical bistability has been established in CdS1 and in multiple quantum well (MQW) GaAs structures2. The mechanism responsible for the bistable behavior in these semiconductors is the coupling between the temperature distribution and the electric field intensity in the sample. In these semiconductors, the mechanism is simple enough that a quantitative analysis should be possible. However, a successful model of bistability in these systems must await a careful experimental analysis of the thermal boundary conditions3. With this caveat we have proceeded with the theoretical development. Steady-state results for CdS and MQW GaAs are presented.

Topical Meeting on Optical Bistability (OB)•Jan 1, 1985•0 citations

Optical bistability, switching, and self-pulsing in direct-gap semiconductors upon the binding of two excitons in a biexciton

A. Kh. Rotaru, V. Z. Tronchu

A system of nonlinear differential equations describing the dynamic evolution of coherent excitons, photons, and biexcitons is derived in the geometry of a ring cavity. Nonlinearity is caused by the direct binding of two excitons in a biexciton as a result of their Coulomb interaction, which was first predicted by Ivanov, Keldysh, and Panashchenko. The equation of state of the theory of optical bistability is obtained for the stationary case. The stability of stationary states is studied, and the switching times between the branches of the optical bistability curve are determined. It is shown that the appearance of nonlinear periodic and chaotic self-pulsations with the creation of a system of limit cycles and strange attractors in phase space is possible in the unstable portions of the equation of state. Dynamic optical bistability is studied, and the possibility of experimentally detecting the phenomena studied is discussed.

Physics of the Solid State•Oct 1, 1998•2 citations
A model is presented for the dynamical evolution of optical bistable devices based on Multiple Quantum Well structures, in which the electric field is near resonance with an excitonic line, and the parameters which appear in the equations are discussed. For room ternperature operation, examples of steady state response curves are presented. In conditions of adiabatic elimination of the exciton density and within the assumption of small carrier density, it is shown that the set of equations is equivalent to the well known model for optical bistability in two level systems.
The system we analyze has the structure of a planar optical waveguide containing a multiple quantum well, with the planes of the wells parallel to the direction of propagation. We consider the two different configurations of a Fabry-P\'erot cavity and distributed-feedback device. The optical nonlinearities are described by means of the first-principles theory developed by Haug, Koch, Schmitt-Rink, and co-workers, generalized to include the finite width of the wells. The dynamics of the system is described by the equations that govern the evolution of the two counterpropagating fields, coupled with the carrier-density equation, and accompanied by the appropriate boundary conditions. The steady-state behavior is analyzed as a function of the control parameters of the system for the case of a GaAs/${\mathrm{Al}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$Gax{\mathrm{Ga}}_{\mathit{x}}Gax​As/AlAs structure. The system develops bistability even when the input field is in resonance with the excitonic peak, but the phenomenon becomes more pronounced in the detuned configuration. The hysteresis cycles obtained in the case of distributed-feedback device turn out to be competitive with those displayed by the Fabry-P\'erot system.
Optical bistable devices containing GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum well (MQW) structures have shown great potential for performing fast low-power optical switching at room temperature.1 The presence of a much stronger exciton absorption feature in the MQW structures compared to bulk GaAs suggests far superior performance in the former. We report the observation of room-temperature bistability in bulk GaAs with input power <10 mW and intensities of a few kW/cm2. The intensities are consistent with the data of Miller et al.2 which show a saturation intensity of nearly 4 kW/cm2 in a MQW sample with a detuning of less than a halfwidth from the peak of the exciton resonance. Our detunings are always several halfwidths.
Mirrorless optical bistability has been established in CdS1 and in multiple quantum well (MQW) GaAs structures2. The mechanism responsible for the bistable behavior in these semiconductors is the coupling between the temperature distribution and the electric field intensity in the sample. In these semiconductors, the mechanism is simple enough that a quantitative analysis should be possible. However, a successful model of bistability in these systems must await a careful experimental analysis of the thermal boundary conditions3. With this caveat we have proceeded with the theoretical development. Steady-state results for CdS and MQW GaAs are presented.
A system of nonlinear differential equations describing the dynamic evolution of coherent excitons, photons, and biexcitons is derived in the geometry of a ring cavity. Nonlinearity is caused by the direct binding of two excitons in a biexciton as a result of their Coulomb interaction, which was first predicted by Ivanov, Keldysh, and Panashchenko. The equation of state of the theory of optical bistability is obtained for the stationary case. The stability of stationary states is studied, and the switching times between the branches of the optical bistability curve are determined. It is shown that the appearance of nonlinear periodic and chaotic self-pulsations with the creation of a system of limit cycles and strange attractors in phase space is possible in the unstable portions of the equation of state. Dynamic optical bistability is studied, and the possibility of experimentally detecting the phenomena studied is discussed.