  We propose the new concept of a switchable multimode microlaser. As a
generic, realistic model of a multimode microresonator a system of two coupled
defects in a two-dimensional photonic crystal is considered. We demonstrate
theoretically that lasing of the cavity into one selected resonator mode can be
caused by injecting an appropriate optical pulse at the onset of laser action
(injection seeding). Temporal mode-to-mode switching by re-seeding the cavity
after a short cool-down period is demonstrated by direct numerical solution. A
qualitative analytical explanation of the mode switching in terms of the laser
bistability is presented.
