Optical bistability in two-dimensional waveguide structures

A device with optical bistability is proposed well adapted to planar technology in the framework of integrated optics. The device is composed by a dielectric layer of Al2O3 deposited onto an InSb waveguide with defocussing Kerr-nonlinearity and a metal substrate. It works at the wavelength of 10.6 μm, where the refractive index of Al2O3 is lower than in air and coupling into a waveguide-mode without prism is possible. The reflectivity in dependence on the input power density is investigated. The shape of the resonance curve can be tuned by the angle of incidence. This should permit the implementation of a modulator, latching switch, logic gate, and power limiter within a fixed configuration. (author)