Optical bistability and gating in metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy grown GaAs étalons operating in reflection

Abstract

Nonlinear Fabry–Perot étalons of GaAs have been fabricated with metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy technology. The étalons operate in reflection mode, and have an epitaxially grown, rear dielectric mirror consisting of a stack of alternating AlAs/GaAlAs layers. Optical logic functions using a HeNe laser and optical bistability at room temperature are reported. Low switching powers and improved étalon uniformity are obtained.