Abstract

Laser-diode optical switches (LDSWs), in which the optical signal injected into the active layer is absorbed in the OFF state and amplified in the ON state with the injection current, are expected to be key devices in future optical communication systems. We first showed the possibility of LDSWs using GaAlAs laser diodes. This paper proposes a new design of LDSWs with high isolation and high switching speed and also shows the use of signal detectability for input optical signals.

© 1984 Optical Society of America