Optical nonlinearities in ZnSe multiple-quantum-wells

Abstract

We have measured the nonlinear absorption and nonlinear refractive index changes in ZnSe''ZnS multiple quantum wells at low temperature. The largest change of nonlinear refractive index is 0. 012 and corresponding n2 is 7x1Ocm2IW. The nonlinear mechanism are attributed to exciton band broadening and phase space filling of exciton states. With different excitation wavelengths we have demonstrated the dynamic optical bistabilities in ZnSe/ZnS MQWs.