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Optical bistability in InP/GaInAsP equilateral-triangle-resonator microlasers.
Yong-Zhen Huang1, Shi-Jiang Wang, Yue-De Yang
1State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, China. yzhuang@semi.ac.cn
Optics Letters
|June 17, 2009
Summary
Optical bistability was observed in InP/GaInAsP equilateral-triangle-resonator (ETR) microlasers. These devices exhibit hysteresis loops, indicating distinct upper and lower states influenced by mode competition.
Area of Science:
- Semiconductor Physics
- Optoelectronics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Optical bistability is a phenomenon where a system can exist in two different optical states for a single input.
- Microlasers offer compact and efficient light sources for integrated photonic circuits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and demonstrate optical bistability in InP/GaInAsP equilateral-triangle-resonator (ETR) microlasers.
- To analyze the characteristics of hysteresis loops and laser output spectra in these microlasers.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of InP/GaInAsP equilateral-triangle-resonator (ETR) microlasers using planar technology.
- Measurement of output power versus injection current to observe hysteresis loops.
- Analysis of laser output spectra in different hysteresis states.
Main Results:
- Observation of clear hysteresis loops in the output power versus injection current for ETR microlasers (30 µm side) between 215–235 K.
- Spectroscopic analysis revealed strong mode competition among transverse modes in the upper and lower hysteresis states.
- The observed hysteresis loops were successfully modeled using two-mode rate equations incorporating asymmetric cross-gain saturation and varying output efficiencies.
Conclusions:
- InP/GaInAsP ETR microlasers exhibit optical bistability.
- Mode competition significantly influences the bistable behavior and spectral characteristics.
- The developed rate equation model accurately describes the observed hysteresis phenomena.
