Optical Bistability in a GaAs-Based Polariton Diode

We report on a new type of optical nonlinearity in a polariton p-i-n microcavity. Abrupt switching between the strong and weak coupling regime is induced by controlling the electric field within the cavity. As a consequence, bistable cycles are observed for low optical powers (2–3 orders of magnitude less than for Kerr induced bistability). Signatures of switching fronts propagating through the whole 300 x 300 um^2 mesa surface are evidenced.