Bistability and all-optical memory in dual-mode diode lasers with time-delayed optical feedback

TL;DR

This paper proposes an all-optical memory using bistability in dual-mode diode lasers with time-delayed feedback, analyzing the bifurcation structure and optimizing pulse duration for efficient switching.

Contribution

It introduces a novel bistability-based optical memory in dual-mode lasers with analytical insights into the bifurcation structure and feedback effects.

Findings

Delay time influences optimal pulse duration for switching

Gain saturation affects bistability regions

Feedback enhances memory performance

Abstract

A proposal for an all-optical memory based on a bistability of single-mode states in a dual-mode diode laser with time-delayed optical feedback is presented. The system is modeled using a multimode extension of the Lang-Kobayashi equations with injected optical pulses. We uncover the bifurcation structure by deriving analytical expressions for the boundaries of the bistable region and demonstrate how the delay time in the external cavity determines an optimal pulse duration for efficient switching of the memory element. We also show the relevant role played by gain saturation and by the dual-mode solutions of the Lang-Kobayashi equations for the existence of the bistable regions. Our results demonstrate that feedback induced bistability can lead to significant performance improvements when compared to memory elements based on the injection locking bistability in dual-mode devices.