Gain trimming of the resonant characteristics in vertically coupled InP microdisk switches

InP, vertically coupled microdisk resonator/waveguide switches with a gain active region are demonstrated. The devices exhibit single-mode operation, large free-spectral range of 10 nm, and a high-quality factor of 5700. The introduction of a quantum-well region inside the cavity provides a way of gain trimming the resonant characteristics. Active switches, routers, and filters with tunable bandwidth based on these devices are envisioned as part of a wavelength division multiplexing system. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.