Abstract

Multiple quantum well (MQW) semiconductors can exhibit a number of nonlinear optical phenomena associated with the clearly resolved, room temperature excitons. These are of practical interest for optically bistable devices, mode-locking of semiconductor lasers and phase conjugation. For instance, refractive nonlinearities associated with the saturation of the exciton can be very sensitive [1]. The quantum confined Stark effect can also be employed to produce optical nonlinearities at low power [2,3].

© 1988 Optical Society of America