Bistable operation of a GaAs-AlGaAs diode laser coupled to an external resonator of narrow spectral bandwidth

The influence of an external dispersive resonator on the emission properties of a double heterostructure semiconductor laser operating at room temperature has been investigated. The proper design of the external resonator (frequency selectivity and efficient back-coupling of the radiation leaving the diode) demonstrates that a laser with optical feedback can show bistability and hysteresis phenomena. The dispersive bistability has its origin in the dependence of the refractive index on carrier density, temperature and optical power. Hysteresis curves have been measured by changing the injection current or by tuning the dispersive element. We have found a threshold in the injection current for the onset of the hysteretic behaviour. Moreover, a theoretical model has been established to explain the essential features of the experimental results. Hysteresis cycles for different experiments have been calculated.