Ultrafast dynamics of the third-order nonlinear response in a two-dimensional InP-based photonic crystal

We report experimental demonstration of very fast nonlinear response around 1.5 mum in an InP-based two-dimensional photonic crystal. The nonlinearity produced by low pump powers via carrier induced nonlinear refractive index, leads to an efficient wavelength shift of a photonic crystal resonance observed in reflectivity. Thus we show that it is possible to obtain round the clock (rise and recovery) switching times shorter than 10 ps with contrast ratio higher than 80%. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.