Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics

Effect of end reflections on distributed- feedback bistable optical devices

Herbert G. Winful

Published Jan 1, 1981• 0 citations

Abstract

We recently presented a theory of bistability in a nonlinear distributed-feedback (DFB) structure,1 in that work the coupling between forward and backward propagating waves was provided solely by Bragg-scattering from a periodic index perturbation built into the otherwise homogeneous medium. With the recent demonstration of bistability in the high-index semiconductors GaAs2 and InSb,3 it is clear that the external feedback due to Fresnel reflections will play a major role in any practical DFB bistable optical device. These end reflections have already been considered in the case of semiconductor DFB lasers.4 In this paper we show that even minor end reflections can drastically alter the switching threshold of DFB bistable optical devices.

DOI: 10.1364/cleo.1981.fe4

Related papers

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-OpticsJan 1, 19864 citations

Effect of chirping on optical bistability in λ/4-shifted semiconductor distributed feedback structures

Tae‐Hoon Yoon, Young‐Il Kim, Kyung-Whan Park +2 more

In this work, we studied the effect of structural chirping on optical bistability in (lambda) /4-shifted semiconductor distributed-feedback, (DFB) devices, such as an etalon with nonlinear mirrors, a (lambda) /4-shifted DFB waveguide, and a (lambda) /4-shifted DFB laser amplifier. We found that chirped DFB devices exhibit bistable switching at a lower input power.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIEJul 14, 20000 citations

Effect of Chirped Grating on Optical Bistability in λ/4-shifted Semiconductor DFB Devices

Young‐Il Kim, Tae‐Hoon Yoon, Seok Lee +1 more

In this work, we studied the effect of chirped grating on optical bistability in λ/4-shifted semiconductor distributed-feedback(DFB) devices, such as an etalon with nonlinear mirrors, a λ/4-shifted DFB waveguide and aλ/4-shifted DFB laser amplifier. We found that chirped DFB devices exhibit bistable switching at a lower input power.OCIS code : 050.2770, 190.1450, 190.5970, 230.0230.

Journal of the Optical Society of KoreaMar 1, 200110 citations

Optical Bistability in a Traveling-Wave SOA Connected to a DFB Laser Diode: Theory and Experiment

Wouter D’Oosterlinck, Geert I. Morthier, Roel Baets +1 more

We investigate the bistable response of a traveling-wave semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) connected bidirectionally to a distributed feedback (DFB) laser diode. By contrast to dispersive DFB amplifiers, bistability is possible for a broad wavelength range of the injected optical signal. A theoretical analysis clarifies the origin of the phenomenon and the conditions under which it occurs. Numerical simulations and experimental results confirm the theoretical analysis. Experimentally obtained step heights up to 25 dB and widths of the bistability domain of 1-4 dB have been found

IEEE Journal of Quantum ElectronicsJul 11, 200614 citations

Combined distributed feedback and Fabry–Perot structures with a phase-matching layer for optical bistable devices

Jian‐Jun He, Michael Čada

A combined distributed feedback and Fabry–Perot (DFB/FP) structure with a phase-matching layer is proposed for optical bistable devices. Using a simple and versatile nonlinear transfer-matrix method, we demonstrate that the DFB/FP structure can have a much lower bistability threshold than a single DFB structure with a comparable total thickness. The combined structure can also have lower threshold and less sensitivity to absorption than a traditional nonlinear Fabry–Perot etalon.

Applied Physics LettersNov 2, 199291 citations

Optical bistability in distributed feedback semiconductor laser amplifiers

M.J. Adams, Richard R. Wyatt

New theoretical and experimental results are presented for optical bistability in distributed feedback amplifiers at 1.5 μm. The onset of bistability occurs at input powers as low as 1 μW, a factor of about 1000 times less than the input predicted for passive DFB structures. The transient response exhibits a large spike as the amplifier goes through a resonance, in good agreement with the theoretical prediction.

IEE Proceedings J OptoelectronicsJan 1, 198737 citations