Optical buffer memory with shift register function using 1.55-μm polarization bistable VCSELs

Optical buffer memory is a key component in future optical communication and switching systems. We performed the 10 Gbps optical buffering[1] and the shift register function[2] using 0.98 -mum polarization bistable (PB) VCSELs. We have also reported recently the switching characteristics of 1.55 -mum PB-VCSELs and all-optical flip-flop operations[3], at the optical telecommunication wavelength.