Unidirectional operation of waveguide diode ring lasers

Liang, J.; Lau, S.T.; Leary, M.; Ballantyne, J. M.

doi:10.1063/1.118527

Cited by 58 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…From the application point of view, SRLs are ideal candidates for all-optical information-storage. [9][10][11]. From a theoretical point of view, SRLs represent the optical prototype of nonlinear Z 2 -symmetric systems [12], which appear in many fields of physics.…”

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confidence: 99%

Topological Insight into the Non-Arrhenius Mode Hopping of Semiconductor Ring Lasers

et al. 2008

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We investigate both theoretically and experimentally the stochastic switching between two counter-propagating lasing modes of a semiconductor ring laser. Experimentally, the residence time distribution cannot be described by a simple one parameter Arrhenius exponential law and reveals the presence of two different mode-hop scenarios with distinct time scales. In order to elucidate the origin of these two time scales, we propose a topological approach based on a two-dimensional dynamical system. 42.55.Px,42.60.Mi Fluctuations in active optical systems such as lasers is one of today's technological challenges as well as a fundamental problem of modern physics as they are the result of the quantum nature of the interaction between light and matter [1]. Fluctuations are e.g. responsible for longitudinal mode switching in semiconductor lasers [2], polarization mode-hopping in Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) [3][4][5], and they play a fundamental role in stochastic and coherence resonances of optical systems [6][7][8].Semiconductor ring lasers (SRLs) are a particular class of lasers whose operation is strongly affected by stochastic fluctuations. The circular geometry of the active cavity allows a SRL to operate in two possible directions, namely clockwise mode (CW ) and counter-clockwise mode (CCW ). From the application point of view, SRLs are ideal candidates for all-optical information-storage. [9][10][11]. From a theoretical point of view, SRLs represent the optical prototype of nonlinear Z 2 -symmetric systems [12], which appear in many fields of physics.Fluctuations induce spontaneous abrupt changes in the SRL's directional operation from CW to CCW and vice versa, and therefore represent a major limitation to their successful applications for instance as optical memories. An in-depth understanding of the mode-hopping in SRLs would shed light on the stochastic properties of the large class of Z 2 -symmetric systems. In spite of its importance, the problem of spontaneous directional switches in SRLs remains unaddressed, partly due to the high dimensionality of the models that have been proposed for SRLs [9,13].In this paper, we address the problem of such fluctuations both theoretically and experimentally. We experimentally investigate the properties of the residence time distribution (RTD) that quantifies the mode hopping. Our theoretical analysis is based on an asymptotic reduction of a full rate-equation model to a Z 2 -symmetric planar system [14].We consider here an InP-based multiquantum-well SRL with a racetrack geometry and a free-spectralrange of 53.6 GHz. The device operates in a singletransverse, single-longitudinal mode regime at wavelength λ = 1.56µm. However, it will be clear from the rest of the discussion that our analysis is general and applies to any kind of ring geometry. A waveguide has been integrated on the same chip in order to couple power out from the ring. This bus waveguide can be independently biased in order to reduce absorption losses. The waveguide crosses the fa...

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confidence: 99%

Topological Insight into the Non-Arrhenius Mode Hopping of Semiconductor Ring Lasers

et al. 2008

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“…Our system has two modes of operation that are associated with and , respectively. Suppose that both modes could lase, and that the system evolves into the following state: (9) From substitution of (9) into (1) and (2), we obtain (10) (11) It follows from (10) and (11) that both roundtrip conditions cannot be simultaneously satisfied, since , , and both modes share the same laser gain medium (thus, the carrier number is equal for both lasers). Hence, the phase matching condition can be satisfied by only one of the modes.…”

Section: Operation Principlementioning

confidence: 99%

“…First of all, this flip-flop concept contains only one active element, which makes the configuration simple. Also, this concept can be monolithically integrated, which is persistent to successful utilization [11], [12]. A very important advantage is that this concept can be extended to a multistable system so that larger amounts of optical data bits can be stored.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ring-Laser Optical Flip–Flop Memory With Single Active Element

Zhang

Liu

Lenstra

et al. 2004

IEEE J. Select. Topics Quantum Electron.

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Abstract-We present a novel optical flip-flop configuration that consists of two unidirectional ring lasers with separate cavities but sharing the same active element unidirectionally. We show that in such a configuration light in the lasing cavity can suppress lasing in the other cavity so that this system forms an optical bistable element. Essential for obtaining the bistability is the presence of an additional feedback circuit that is shared by both lasers. We show experimentally that the flip-flop can be optically set and reset, has a contrast ratio of 40 dB and allows low optical power operation. We also present a model based on roundtrip equations. Good agreement between theory and experiments is obtained.

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“…In particular, SRLs attract a lot of attention due to their bistability, providing the possibility of operation in either of the two counter-propagating directions. Bistability has been demonstrated [1,2,3], and recently exploited for the realisation of all-optical flip-flops [5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Semiconductor Ring Lasers (SRLs) are currently the subject of many experimental and theoretical investigations, ranging from fundamental studies of its nonlinear dynamical behavior to multiple practical applications [1,2,3,4,5]. In particular, SRLs attract a lot of attention due to their bistability, providing the possibility of operation in either of the two counter-propagating directions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%