title: Observation of bistability in a Vertical-Cavity Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (VCSOA).
abstract: We report, the first time to our knowledge, an observation of optical bistability in a Vertical-Cavity Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (VCSOA) operated in reflection mode. Counterclockwise hysteresis loops are obtained over a range of initial phase detuning and bias currents. One hysteresis loop is observed experimentally with an input power as low as 2 ìW when the device is biased at 98% of its lasing threshold. We also numerically simulate the optical bistability and obtain good agreement with our experimental observations. Bistable VCSOAs significantly advances the prospect of dense 2-D array of low switching-intensity all-optical logic and memory elements.
authors.forename: Pengyue
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wen
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sanchez
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gross
authors.forename: Sadik
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Esener