Switching characteristics and maximum repetitive frequency of InGaAsP/InP bistable injection lasers

Switching characteristics of nonuniformly pumped InGaAsP/InP buried-heterostructure bistable lasers are investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The automatic turn-on phenomenon, which is a random process, was observed. For repetitive operation, turn-on delay time and the necessary duration of the switch-off pulse practically limited the maximum repetitive frequency. For switch-on, triggering the saturable absorption region is more effective. For reducing the minimum switch-off pulse width, either higher doping of reverse biasing at the absorption region is recommended. The tradeoff of OFF pulse width with threshold current, and stable operation are discussed. With some improvements in device parameters, bistable operation at a repetitive frequency over 1 GHz is expected.<
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