Semiconductor laser amplifiers for ultrafast all-optical signal processing

TLDR

Semiconductor laser amplifiers have emerged as a promising platform for high‑speed all‑optical switching. SLA carrier dynamics enable switching faster than the recovery time, and recent experiments have integrated SLA‑based switches into novel all‑optical architectures. Despite lifetimes ≥100 ps, SLAs are currently the most promising material for ultrafast all‑optical signal processing, with experiments indicating achievable switching rates up to ~100 GHz.

Abstract

Recent progress in the use of semiconductor laser amplifiers (SLA's) for high-speed all-optical switching is reviewed. We show that, despite SLA's having lifetimes of ⩾100 ps, they are, to date, the most promising material system for all-optical ultrafast signal processing. We highlight the role of SLA carrier dynamics, which permits switching rates faster than the recovery time. Experimental results are presented that imply that switching rates of as much as ∼100 GHz should be possible. Recent experiments are described in which SLA-based switches were incorporated into novel all-optical architectures.