First integrated combiner based on self-switching in quantum dots

Author

Patent, E.A. ; van der Tol, J.J.G.M. ; Binetti, P.R.A. ; Gong, Q. ; Oei, Y.S. ; Nötzel, R. ; Haverkort, J.E.M. ; van Veldhoven, P.J. ; Wolter, J.H. ; Smit, M.K.

Author_Institution

Opto-Electron. Devices Group, Eindhoven Univ. of Technol., Netherlands

Volume

16

Issue

10

fYear

2004

Firstpage

2308

Lastpage

2310

Abstract

We demonstrate all-optical switching in quantum dots (QDs). The switching is studied in an integrated optical combiner circuit. This is a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with an unequal power distribution over the branches. The refractive index is intensity dependent in the branches due to the QDs. Large all-optical nonlinearities are measured. This device is aimed to avoid an unwanted 3-dB loss, fundamental in passive optical splitters.

Keywords

Mach-Zehnder interferometers; optical phase shifters; optical switches; refractive index; semiconductor quantum dots; Mach-Zehnder interferometer; integrated combiner; intensity-independent refractive index; passive optical splitters; quantum dots; self-switching; Integrated circuit measurements; Integrated optics; Optical interferometry; Optical losses; Optical refraction; Optical variables control; Power distribution; Quantum dots; Refractive index; Switching circuits;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1041-1135

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/LPT.2004.833952

Filename

1336912