Switching time in optically bistable injection-locked semiconductor lasers

Abstract

Switching between states in a dispersive bistable injection-locked slave laser has been theoretically investigated. We show that the switching can be achieved by relatively small and short (≈10-50 ps) variation of the master laser injection power or frequency, which, besides the variation of the slave laser optical power, leads to significant variation of its photon phase (≈5π/6). By using an analytical model, we calculate the switching time dependence on the magnitude of the injection power and the frequency detuning variation.

Analytical Method for Calculation of the Photon Lifetime and External Coupling Coefficient in Index-Coupled Phase-Shifted DFB Lasers

“…After solving the system given by (8) with respect to envelopes A(z) and B(z), we find the general solution for the z-dependent envelopes, E A (z) and E B (z), in the following form:…”

Switching time and energy in bistable injection-locked semiconductor multi-quantum-well Fabry-Perot lasers

“…We base our analysis of switching between bistable states on a simple analytical model [14]. However, since this model is based on several approximations of the full scale rate equation model, Eqs.…”

“…It has been pointed out in [11,12] that bistability significantly depends on the interaction between the IL mode and other, unlocked modes, therefore a detailed model, which takes into account all supported modes has been applied and recommended [11]. Switching between these two stable states can be achieved either by variation of P inj or ω [14]. However, one of the most important remaining problems is poorly investigated switching speed and switching energy efficiency.…”

“…However, one of the most important remaining problems is poorly investigated switching speed and switching energy efficiency. So far, switching time in bistable laser diodes has been studied in the dependence on P inj or ω [14], while earlier works had been focused on the switching achieved by the bias current variation [15].…”

“…Although computationally demanding, such approach provides a precise method to investigate the influence of P inj and ω variation on the switching from one (initial) to the other (final) stable state and its corresponding time (t if ) and energy (E if ). However, in [14] we have proposed a simple analytical formula for switching time prediction, which can provide an insight into switching time dependence on the P inj or ω variation. The implementation of the formula in this paper is based on the stationary solutions of the full scale rate-equation model, which we use to derive the stationary hysteresis loops.…”