Dynamic optical switching of symmetric self-electro-optic effect devices

Abstract

We describe a new method of operation of symmetric self-electro-optic effect devices (S-SEEDs) using excitation pulses shorter than the diode sweep out times. We shall call this dynamic SEED switching. Previous SEEDs are optically bistable logic devices which use the unique properties of multiple quantum well structures placed in the intrinsic i regions of two p-i-n diodes reverse biased in series. Conventional operation of S-SEEDs is at the exciton wavelength where absorption decreases with increasing electric field. Utilizing the dynamic properties of the S-SEED we demonstrate that switching is possible at any wavelength where there is a nonlinear response showing a threshold. The major advantages of dynamic over conventional operation, is that it can be faster while requiring less optical energy, is automatically reset each cycle, and is less susceptible to saturation.