Grating-assisted nonlinear codirectional couplers

The advantages and flexibilities of using a grating to assist in the process of all-optical codirectional switching are investigated theoretically. It is found that the phase-matching condition which is required for complete switching is power dependent. In this respect, all-optical switching can be sensitive to a small change in input power level. In addition, this power-induced resonant tuning makes the grating structure automatically tuned, in the sense that complete switching becomes insensitive to manufacturing tolerances. The grating frequency is viewed as a “free design parameter,” which is selected to yield a desired device response. By chirping and/or scaling the grating frequency, the grating coupler can be designed to exhibit complete switching in the presence of material absorption and saturation