Abstract
We propose a novel method for reducing the absorption recovery time in a semiconductor optical amplifier driven under a loss condition for a signal pulse that acts as a saturable absorber. The reduction of the absorption recovery time was successfully demonstrated by stimulated recombination due to CW additional light (assist light) whose wavelength was longer than that of the signal. The injection current and the wavelength of the assist light for the reduction effect were optimized experimentally. The stimulated recombination process is ultrafast and generates little heat since the process docs not involve carrier transport in the device. This technique can be applied to ultra high repetition rate optical processing. A minimum absorption recovery time of less than 50 ps was confirmed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1265-1268 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, Part 1: Regular Papers and Short Notes and Review Papers |
| Volume | 38 |
| Issue number | 2 B |
| Publication status | Published - 1999 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Carrier lifetime
- Optical processing
- Saturable absorber
- Semiconductor optical amplifier
- Stimulated recombination
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)