All-Optical Switch with Switch-Off Time Unrestricted by Carrier Lifetime

We propose a symmetric Mach-Zehnder-type all-optical switch which is based on the nonlinear refractive index change induced in semiconductors. Unlike most all-optical switches, the switch-off time, as well as the switch-on time, of this novel device is not limited by the usually slow carrier lifetime, allowing a very fast switching speed. Its switching characteristics are theoretically examined under various conditions. It is shown that the device offers a nearly square modulation characteristic that is suitable for most switching applications.