Low power all-optical bistability in InGaAs-AlInAs superlattices: Demonstration of a wireless self-electro-optical effect device operating at 1.5 μm

Abstract

We report the observation of optical transmission bistability at low temperature in unprocessed InGaAs-AlInAs superlattice p-i-n structures. Bistability results, in analogy with the self-electro-optical effect device, from a positive feedback mechanism due to the interplay between Wannier–Stark effect, built-in field, and screening by photocarriers.