CW operation of a monolithically integratable two-mode cross-coupled optical flip-flop with etched laser mirrors

Summary form only given. We report the first room temperature, continuous wave operation of an optical flip-flop in which there are two stable lasing states, in close analogy to a S-R latch in electrical circuits. Bistable laser diodes have important applications as optical memory elements in future high-speed all-optical time-division switching systems, as demonstrated by Suzuki, see J. of Lightwave Technology, vol.LT-4, p.894, 1986. Compared with the two section, single mode bistable laser diode used in their experiment which must be turned off electrically, this device can be reset by the application of an optical trigger and is therefore more flexible.