Wavelength switching of a Fabry-Perot semiconductor laser by detuned optical input pulses

Wavelength switchings of a Fabry-Perot semiconductor laser are experimentally demonstrated by applying externally optical input pulses detuned from a cavity-resonant wavelength of the semiconductor laser with a constant injection current. The wavelength region of optical switching ranges from less than 0.1 nm to several nm over gain spectrum, being locked to the wavelength of optical inputs. These behaviors are based on multistability and multi-split branches in the optical output versus detuned optical input characteristics, caused by the carrier-induced refractive index change accompanied by optical injection. The experimental results are believed to be useful for wavelength division multiplexing and exchange in optical communication.