Wavelength-tunable optical spectral bistability in a ring laser using a semiconductor optical amplifier

Optical bistability at different wavelengths in a semiconductor fiber ring laser has been demonstrated. Changing the SOA bias current shows two stable optical outputs for any given current within the operating range. The laser can also be switched from one bistable state to another using optical control methods. Different wavelengths are selected by tuning the polarizer or the polarization controller in the laser cavity. These features will make the laser very promising for all-optical wavelength routing networking applications.