OPTIMIZATION OF THE OPTICAL SWITCHING CHARACTERISTICS OF 2-SECTION FABRY-PEROT LASERS

Bistable two-section Fabry-Perot lasers have been fabricated, comprehe nsively characterized, and optimized with respect to gain and optical switching contrast. Best device performance requires, first, the indiv idual optimization of both section lengths, and, second, a proper choi ce of current conditions. Third, light has to be injected into the gai n section instead of the absorber section to take full advantage of de vice qualities. Based on this optimization high, all optical switching gain (26 dB) and large contrast (18 dB) have been achieved simultaneo usly.