Voltage-controlled optical bistability associated with two-dimensional exciton in GaAs-AlGaAs multiple quantum well lasers

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Abstract
Voltage‐controlled optical bistable laser operation is demonstrated for the first time using nonlinear optical absorption of two‐dimensional excitons in a GaAs‐AlGaAs multiple quantum well (MQW) laser. The laser used here is the conventional MQW laser diode but with tandem electrode configuration. The L‐I curve of light output as a function of current injected into one segment of electrodes can be changed by a bias voltage applied to the other segment of electrodes. At the onset of laser oscillation, a hysteresis loop appears, the shape of which depends strongly on the applied bias voltage. This bistability is ascribed to the nonlinear absorption of two‐dimensional excitons.