Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/J03091/02
Title:	ACTIVE NONLINEARITIES IN QUANTUM WELL SEMICONDUCTOR WAVEGUIDES
Principal Investigator:	White, Professor I
Other Investigators:	Penty, Professor R
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Physics
Organisation:	University of Bristol
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 April 1996	Ends:	31 March 1997	Value (£):	54,532
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Optical Devices & Subsystems
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
This proposal requests funds to continue work presently carried out under NLO funding in collaboration with BNR Europe Ltd, British Telecom and members of the NOW Consortium. Three main aspects of the work are proposed:1. New physical mechanisms for low power sub-picosecond optical switching are to be investigated, in particular (i) aiming to build on the recent observation of hot carrier enhanced absorption at Bath with which it appears to promise excellent sub-picosecond diode pumped switching and (ii) investigating the potential of utilising polarisation in nonlinear operation as this can provide significantly improved switching performance and also all probing of polarisation dependent nonlinearities in quantum wells. The project would aim to conclude with the fabrication of an ultrafast modulator which can be driven at diode laser powers.2. Experimental and theoretical research would investigate optimum mechanisms for narrow-line and prechirped ultrafast operation of diode lasers. This work would consider line narrowing mechanisms using optical nonlinearities for general high speed digital and analogue applications. Of special interest would be effects in new unique self Q-switched laser diodes (with peak powers >5 W and pulse widths <10 ps) which have recently become available at Bath. These devices have significant advantages when compared with mode locked systems in providing greater peak power and allowing bias dependent repetition rates. The project would also aim to use nonlinearities to improve pulse powers and widths to >10W and <1 ps respectively, at which point they would find extensive applications in nonlinear optics, communications and frequency doubling.3. Using high power short pulse sources recently developed, fast laser diode pumped all-optical switching would be demonstrated. The work would aim to identify potential physical problems which might arise were laser diode devices to be used in nonlinear systems and indicate specific areas for potential exploitation. It would also assist the development of optimised devices in (1) and (2).
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.bris.ac.uk