Kerr nonlinear switch based on ultra-compact photonic crystal directional coupler

Abstract

In this paper, an all optical switch based on nonlinear photonic crystal directional coupler has been simulated and analyzed by the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. The lunched pump signal increases the refractive indices of the central row of the coupler, due to nonlinear Kerr effect, hence the coupler works in the nonlinear conditions and lightwave guides to the other output port. We have tried to increase the coupling efficiency and reduce the required power in the nonlinear status by optimizing the bends structure and increasing the interaction between dielectric and lightwave signal. Therefore, the input signal beam can be controlled to be exchanged between two output ports to earn the highest output power ratio and the smallest amount of power required for nonlinear performance, the physical length of the coupler is determined to be 20 a, where a is the structure lattice constant.