19 ps switching of a bistable laser diode with 30 fJ optical pulses

19-ps optical switch-on of a bistable laser diode with only 30-fJ input coupled optical energy at a repetition rate of 500 MHz is reported. The bistable laser was an inhomogeneously pumped three-section Fabry-Periot laser diode. The switch-off time was 94 ps, probably limited by the duration of the electrical reset pulse. Longer turn-on delay times were recorded when switching with less input energy.<
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