Bistability and optical switching in an AlAs-GaAs-InGaAs vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser

Low-threshold (2-4-mA) quantum-well vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with high output powers (>1 mW) have been achieved. These lasers exhibit bistability at the onset of lasing. Switching between the on and off states can be achieved optically with optical signal levels as low as 200 mu W. Arrays of these lasers have the potential for all-optical memories and optical logic elements.