All-optical set-reset operation of a bistable semiconductor laser intracavity-coupled to a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser

We experimentally demonstrate a bistable laser diode (BLD) formed by a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) coupled to an in-plane laser (IPL) that includes a saturable absorber section. The device can be switched between its two states (corresponding to either the in-plane laser or the vertical-cavity laser being on) by injection of optical pulses. We also discuss possible applications for this device.