Abstract

In this paper we report our work on the development of a distributed-feedback (DFB), multiple quantum-well (MQW) waveguide which has demonstrated the potential of this structure for all-optical device applications in the field of telecommunication. This work has led to the achievement of all-optical switching, between forward and backward propagation directions, with control energy of 1 pJ, recovery time of 0.6 ns and on-off ratio of 17dB, at a wavelength of 1.55 μm.¹ The device is based on the nonlinear displacement of its grating stop-band and is suited for monolithic integration with other photonic devices, such as semiconductor optical amplifiers.

© 1998 IEEE