Low switching threshold using nonlinearities in stopband-tapered waveguide Bragg gratings

• Published in: IEEE journal of quantum electronics Vol. 41; no. 10; pp. 1303 - 1308
• Main Authors: Maitra, A., Poulton, C.G., Jin Wang, Leuthold, J., Freude, W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01.10.2005; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Bandgap; Bragg gratings; Circuit properties; Electric, optical and optoelectronic circuits; Electronics; Exact sciences and technology; Extinction ratio; Fiber gratings; Fiber nonlinear optics; Frequency; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Integrated optics. Optical fibers and wave guides; Isolators; Nonlinear optics; Nonlinearity; Optical and optoelectronic circuits; Optical computers, logic elements, interconnects, switches; neural networks; Optical elements, devices, and systems; Optical fiber devices; optical isolators; Optical switches; Optical waveguides; Optics; periodic structures; Physics; Quantum electronics; Switches; Switching; Tapering; Thresholds; Waveguides; Tapered waveguide; periodic structures; optical switches; Non linear optics; Theoretical study; Bragg grating; optical isolators; All optical circuit; Grating in fiber; Periodic structure; Bistability; Bragg gratings; fiber gratings; nonlinear optics; Energy gap; Waveguide array; Optical insulator; Optical switch; Bandgap
• DOI: 10.1109/JQE.2005.855117
• ISSN: 0018-9197

We numerically study the nonlinear switching characteristics in a waveguide grating with a linearly tapered stopband. This type of design shows promising results in decreasing the threshold switching power, while simultaneously preserving a significant extinction ratio. We find that the switching threshold changes linearly with the tapering coefficient. The physical explanation for these phenomena is discussed. Potential applications for this type of device include all-optical switches and isolators.