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Nonlinear Optical Switching Devices

Wallace B. Leigh

Published May 12, 2021• 0 citations

Abstract

An optical switching device may be defined as one that either diverts an optical beam from its path or that may be used as a source for optical modulation. An optical modulator would be used to modulate an optical signal, for example, to encode a digital signal onto a light beam. An optical switching device may be fabricated as a discrete component or incorporated into an optical waveguide. It must, ideally, consume low power and be operable at a comparatively low optical power level and high bandwidth. An optical switching device may be fabricated as a discrete component or incorporated into an optical waveguide. It must, ideally, consume low power and be operable at a comparatively low optical power level and high bandwidth. An ideal material for practical optical bistable applications is one which has a large nonlinearity and a relatively low absorption at the wavelength of interest, as this is the optimum condition for dispersive effects.

DOI: 10.1201/9781003210283-6

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We present a review of optical bistability in active and passive optoelectronic devices, with particular reference to switching speeds and powers. The large resonant nonlinearities available near the bandgaps of semiconductors may be utilized to develop bistable devices operating at low powers and high speeds. Passive devices are driven by external optical sources and include nonlinear etalons, nonlinear interfaces, self-focusing configurations and electro-optic modulators with electrical feedback. Active devices include injection lasers and superluminescent amplifiers. Potential advantages of active devices include speed, gain, sensitivity and the ability to drive other devices, but complexity and high power dissipation may limit their use in applications requiring high density.

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