Optical bistable device for integrated optical system - includes two linked semiconductor lasers of which only one may function at one time

Abstract

Abstract The system includes two lasers (1,2) of the same type. Each comprises an amplifier (101 & 102) situated in a resonator (121,141 and 122 and 142). The resonators each comprise a cavity between a pair of parallel reflective surfaces. The beams emitted by the two lasers (161 & 162) are both directed to a mutual coupling device (20) which directs the beam from one laser into the amplifying cavity of the other. Controls are provided (221,241, and 222,242) to momentarily alter the characteristics of the lasers, either by changing the loss in one of the resonant cavities, or by altering the gain of one of the amplifiers. Since the two beams are directed into opposite resonant cavities, only one laser may function, at the expense of the other. This creates an optical bistable system. Two semiconductor lasers of slightly different wavelength may be used.

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