Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
This paper describes methods of operating Quantum Well SEED's, which utilize the dynamic properties of the devices and thereby forego the need for optical bistability. The major advantages of dynamic operation versus the conventional modes utilizing optical bistability are that much less total optical energy is needed per cycle and/or much faster operation is possible due to much shorter switching times. Such dynamic modes of operation do require a more careful rationing of optical energy from external laser sources and require that the devices have much higher output contrast ratios.