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Published on: November 11, 2013
Optical memory based on ultrafast wavelength switching in a bistable microlaser
Sergei V Zhukovsky1, Dmitry N Chigrin
1Theoretical Nano-Photonics Group, Institute of High-Frequency and Communication Technology, Faculty of Electrical, Information, and Media Engineering, University of Wuppertal, Rainer-Gruenter-Strasse 21, D-42119 Wuppertal, Germany. sergei@uni-wuppertal.de
Optics Letters
|November 3, 2009
Summary
We developed a novel optical memory cell using ultrafast wavelength switching in microlasers. This technology achieves rapid switching speeds and high contrast for advanced optical computing applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Optical Computing
- Materials Science
Background:
- Bistability in coupled-cavity microlasers is crucial for optical memory.
- Ultrafast wavelength switching offers potential for high-speed data processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and numerically demonstrate an optical memory cell.
- To achieve bistability between spectrally separated modes in microlasers.
Main Methods:
- Simulating a two-dimensional photonic crystal microlaser.
- Implementing ultrafast wavelength switching.
Main Results:
- Achieved switching times under 10 picoseconds.
- Demonstrated switching energy of 15-30 femtojoules.
- Obtained an on-off contrast exceeding 40 dB.
Conclusions:
- The proposed optical memory cell shows promise for high-performance optical data storage.
- Theoretical guidelines for optimizing switching time and energy were established.
