An electrooptic and optoelectric bistable interconnect at 514 nm: the photothermal CdS self-electrooptic effect devices

Illumination of CdS at room temperature with the green (514 nm) line of an Ar/sup +/ laser may lead to intrinsic photothermal-induced absorption optical bistability. If the samples are covered with two metal contacts resulting in a small slit, the additional feedback introduced through the photocurrent by Joule´s heat may lead to a reduction of the necessary optical input power. In particular, CdS single-crystal platelets, CdS epitaxial layers, or CdS evaporated layers contacted with either Au or In are used. The experimental characteristics are compared with detailed model calculations, which explain deviations from ideal behavior. Special emphasis is laid upon the modulator characteristics (i.e. controlling photonics by electronics) and the possibility of controlling electronics by photonics.<>