Switch energy requirements for first- and second-order perturbations in asymmetric quantum box optical switches

We have studied the limits to the switching energy of electrically controlled optical absorption switches. Investigating a case with intraband transitions in asymmetric quantum boxes, it is shown that linear Stark shift allows switch energies of the optical switches that are comparable to the thermal noise limit at 300 K at least up to 30 GHz, provided boxes with very narrow absorption linewidth can be fabricated. This is several orders of magnitude lower energy than required by quadratic Stark shift in a similar, symmetric structure.