Abstract

Optical bistable devices are expected as memories or logic devices in photonic switching and processing systems. Optical bistable devices with multiple fan-out, particularly those whose output channels are externally controllable, will be very useful in a wide variety of applications as compared to conventional ones with fan-out = 1^[1-3]. We proppose and demonstrate a new optical bistable device with selectable multiple light outputs, which basically is composed of a pnpn structure. The output in the induced light emission mode could be obtained in different waveguide channels by external electronic control at high speed.

© 1988 Optical Society of America