Abstract

Using a laser slightly detuned from the I₂ bound exciton resonance in CdS, we report the observation of the lowest switching energy (< 4 pJ) for an all-optical bistable device. The deconvoluted switching-on and -off times are evaluated to be less than 1 and 2 ns respectively. Even shorter switching times are expected, and we are presently improving our time resolution. Forward, degenerate four-wave mixing experiments were also performed near the I₂ bound exciton, an exciton bound to a neutral donor. A four-wave mixing signal was observed with less than 50 W/cm² incident on the sample.

© 1985 Optical Society of America