Semiconductor Micro-Ring and Micro-Disk Lasers for All-Optical Switching

Sorel, M. , Mezosi, G. and Strain, M. (2009) Semiconductor Micro-Ring and Micro-Disk Lasers for All-Optical Switching. In: Conference on Novel in -Plane Semiconductor lasers VIII, San Jose, CA, USA, 26-29 Jan 2009, 72300I. (doi: 10.1117/12.809739)

Abstract

We review and compare recent results on the design and fabrication of semiconductor microring and microdisk lasers for applications in all-optical switching and signal processing. The design of the optical cavities will be analyzed in detail with a strong emphasis on the evaluation of the various loss mechanisms. Both lithographic and etching technologies were thoroughly optimized to ensure high-resolution patterning and deep and vertical waveguide sidewalls. The majority of the fabricated devices exhibited continuous wave operation down to 7 μm and strong unidirectional bistability down to device footprints as small as 30 μm. While both microdisks and microrings show similar behaviour for medium radii (30-60 μm), in smaller devices the microdisk geometry shows much lower losses and better performance.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mezosi, Mr Gabor and Sorel, Professor Marc and Strain, Dr Michael
• Authors: Sorel, M., Mezosi, G., and Strain, M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering