We propose an optical memory cell based on ultrafast wavelength switching in coupled-cavity microlasers, featuring bistability between modes separated by several nanometers. A numerical implementation is demonstrated by simulating a two-dimensional photonic crystal microlaser. Switching times of less than 10 ps, switching energy around 15--30 fJ and on-off contrast of more than 40 dB are achieved. Theoretical guidelines for optimizing the performance of the memory cell in terms of switching time and energy are drawn.
@article{arxiv.0906.4721,
title = {Optical memory based on ultrafast wavelength switching in a bistable microlaser},
author = {Sergei V. Zhukovsky and Dmitry N. Chigrin},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0906.4721},
year = {2009}
}