Compact triple coupled quantum well system for electrical/optical control of optical bi/multistability.

Optical bistability (OB) and optical multistability (OM) are investigated in a triple coupled quantum wells system inside a semiconductor cavity sandwiched by distributed Bragg reflector mirrors. By proper manipulation of the optical and electrical parameters, the behaviors of OB and OM can be efficiently controlled. We show that, by tuning the tunneling rates between the quantum wells, the threshold and hysteresis cycle of OB and OM can be engineered. The effect of the incoherent pump field as well as the cooperation parameter on creation of OB is also discussed.