Vector soliton switching by using the cascade connection of saturable absorbers

Abstract

We have numerically studied the cascade connection of a nonlinear amplifying loop mirror and a length of birefringent fiber with two linear polarizers. This structure is shown to work as a vector soliton switch under certain conditions. After optimizing each structure separately, we show the improvement of the switching response when the cascade connection is used. It is also demonstrated that this design acts as a good intensity filter for vector soliton pulses.