Design and simulation of a switch based on nonlinear directional coupler

• Published in: Optik (Stuttgart) Vol. 121; no. 18; pp. 1631 - 1634
• Main Authors: Taher Rahmati, A., Granpayeh, N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Reutlingen Elsevier GmbH 01.10.2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: All-optical switch; Beams (radiation); Directional couplers; Exact sciences and technology; Exchanging; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Joining; Kerr effect; Kerr effects; Nonlinear optics; Nonlinearity; Optical directional coupler; Optical elements, devices, and systems; Optical materials; Optical waveguides and coupleurs; Optics; Phase conjugation, optical mixing; photorefractive and kerr effects; Photonic bandgap materials; Photonic crystal; Photonic crystals; Physics; Switches; Kerr effect; Photonic crystal; Nonlinear optics; All-optical switch; Optical directional coupler; Non linear material; Output power; Optical switches; Refractive index; Photonic crystals; Nonlinear couplers; Theoretical study; Finite difference time-domain analysis; Optical directional couplers; Optical materials
• ISSN: 0030-4026; 1618-1336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijleo.2009.03.003

In this paper, we have analyzed a nonlinear photonic crystal directional coupler by the finite difference time domain method. We have tried to increase the coupling efficiency and also reduce the coupling length in linear and nonlinear states in this device. In this coupler, refractive index of the rods of the central row is tuned by input signal power due to nonlinear Kerr effect; therefore, input signal beam can be controlled so as to be exchanged between two output ports. Physical length is chosen to be 24 a so as to have the highest output power ratio and also the smallest amount of power required for nonlinear performance.