BISTABLE SWITCHING IN A NONLINEAR BRAGG REFLECTOR

Numerical simulations and experimental results are reported on bistabl e switching in a semiconductor nonlinear vertical Bragg reflector. An improved structure with an additional linear rear mirror and a phase-a djusting layer was predicted to have lower threshold for bistability t han a Fabry-Perot type device. The experimental observation of bistabl e switching in a nonlinear Bragg reflector is reported. Achieved thres hold was comparable with a nonlinear Fabry-Perot device; the simpler s tructure of a nonlinear Bragg device may represent an advantage with r espect to growth tolerances.