Time dependence of directive channelling in photonic crystal based multiport devices

Abstract

Time dependence of directive routing of an optical wave in an add-drop multiplexer is theoretically studied using finite difference time domain (FDTD) methods. The device under investigation is a double branch waveguide coupler patterned in a two-dimensional photonic crystal. The latter is constituted by a two-dimensional array of air holes deeply etched in the growth direction of a InP-based semiconductor heterostructure which ensures the lateral confinement of light. Sub-picosecond transfer times and picosecond switching times between coupled channels are demonstrated around 1.55 μm and various operating modes (dropping, three-color operation) are detailed.