Abstract
We developed an approach for efficient optical switching by employing the mechanism of gain competition between two different wavelengths. The lasing wavelengths are obtained by self-seeding and external injection-seeding of the same gain-switched Fabry–Pérot laser diode. A direct comparison shows that the latter yields a faster switching response owing to the injection of continuous oscillations. Optical switching has been demonstrated over a 20 nm tuning range with an injection power as small as 10 μW. An operating bandwidth in the tens of MHz frequency range can be expected using the switching scheme.