A fast low-power optical memory based on coupled micro-ring lasers

Hill, M.T.; Dorren, Hjs Harm; Vries, T. de; Leijtens, X.J.M.; Besten, J.H. den; Smalbrugge, Barry; Oei, YS Yok-Siang; Binsma, H; Khoe, G.D.; Smit, M.K.

doi:10.1038/nature03045

Cited by 572 publications

(298 citation statements)

References 20 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

290

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…From the application point of view, SRLs are ideal candidates for all-optical information-storage. [9][10][11]. From a theoretical point of view, SRLs represent the optical prototype of nonlinear Z 2 -symmetric systems [12], which appear in many fields of physics.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Topological Insight into the Non-Arrhenius Mode Hopping of Semiconductor Ring Lasers

et al. 2008

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

We investigate both theoretically and experimentally the stochastic switching between two counter-propagating lasing modes of a semiconductor ring laser. Experimentally, the residence time distribution cannot be described by a simple one parameter Arrhenius exponential law and reveals the presence of two different mode-hop scenarios with distinct time scales. In order to elucidate the origin of these two time scales, we propose a topological approach based on a two-dimensional dynamical system. 42.55.Px,42.60.Mi Fluctuations in active optical systems such as lasers is one of today's technological challenges as well as a fundamental problem of modern physics as they are the result of the quantum nature of the interaction between light and matter [1]. Fluctuations are e.g. responsible for longitudinal mode switching in semiconductor lasers [2], polarization mode-hopping in Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) [3][4][5], and they play a fundamental role in stochastic and coherence resonances of optical systems [6][7][8].Semiconductor ring lasers (SRLs) are a particular class of lasers whose operation is strongly affected by stochastic fluctuations. The circular geometry of the active cavity allows a SRL to operate in two possible directions, namely clockwise mode (CW ) and counter-clockwise mode (CCW ). From the application point of view, SRLs are ideal candidates for all-optical information-storage. [9][10][11]. From a theoretical point of view, SRLs represent the optical prototype of nonlinear Z 2 -symmetric systems [12], which appear in many fields of physics.Fluctuations induce spontaneous abrupt changes in the SRL's directional operation from CW to CCW and vice versa, and therefore represent a major limitation to their successful applications for instance as optical memories. An in-depth understanding of the mode-hopping in SRLs would shed light on the stochastic properties of the large class of Z 2 -symmetric systems. In spite of its importance, the problem of spontaneous directional switches in SRLs remains unaddressed, partly due to the high dimensionality of the models that have been proposed for SRLs [9,13].In this paper, we address the problem of such fluctuations both theoretically and experimentally. We experimentally investigate the properties of the residence time distribution (RTD) that quantifies the mode hopping. Our theoretical analysis is based on an asymptotic reduction of a full rate-equation model to a Z 2 -symmetric planar system [14].We consider here an InP-based multiquantum-well SRL with a racetrack geometry and a free-spectralrange of 53.6 GHz. The device operates in a singletransverse, single-longitudinal mode regime at wavelength λ = 1.56µm. However, it will be clear from the rest of the discussion that our analysis is general and applies to any kind of ring geometry. A waveguide has been integrated on the same chip in order to couple power out from the ring. This bus waveguide can be independently biased in order to reduce absorption losses. The waveguide crosses the fa...

show abstract

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Topological Insight into the Non-Arrhenius Mode Hopping of Semiconductor Ring Lasers

et al. 2008

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The rise/fall times of the output at the "drop port" has been observed to be 3 ps/5 ps and 30 ps/6 ps, for a -7V bias and 0 V bias of the PIN heterostructure, respectively. For the embedded rings made in the intrinsic heterostructure, the rise time has been 58 ps and fall time has been 22 ps, due to the lingering of TPA generated carriers [29].…”

Section: The Path Switching Operationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Embedded Ring Modulators and Switches

Das¹,

Sadasivan²

2017

J Laser Opt Photonics

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Micro embedded ring resonator electro-optic switching in InGaAsP based quantum well structures is briefly reviewed and all optic switching is presented. A 20Gbps electro-optic modulator with >12dB extinction ratio has been proposed using quantum confined stark effect tuning, for which a novel high speed coplanar-microstrip inverted ground plane transition has also been designed. All optical tuning is used to theoretically demonstrate a 20G packets/s switching with a 5dB switching ratio. The fabricated micro embedded ring resonator ring using e-beam lithography and Al lift off mask has been demonstrated and the measured device spectrum is found to match well with the simulated results.

show abstract

“…Semiconductor Ring Lasers (SRLs) are currently the subject of many experimental and theoretical investigations, ranging from fundamental studies of its nonlinear dynamical behavior to multiple practical applications [1,2,3,4,5]. In particular, SRLs attract a lot of attention due to their bistability, providing the possibility of operation in either of the two counter-propagating directions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%