Coherently Controlled Multifunctional Active Optical Filters

In this paper, we propose multifunctional active optical filters using coherent nonlinear effects and quantum interference in quantum-well structures. Based on the application demand, in the absence of a control laser field, these filters can be either completely opaque or transparent. However, in the presence of such a control laser, the filter structure is activated, allowing transmission of a single frequency. We show that the amplitude and linewidth of these filters can be optically controlled, demonstrating various functionalities and performances including attenuation, amplification, and switching processes. We also show that, with proper design of such active filters, one can tune the wavelength of the filtered signal by varying the intensity of the control field.