Optically nonlinear waves in thin films

A new treatment of the behavior of TE nonlinear waves in an optically nonlinear film is given. The new mathematical results are expressed in terms of the physical parameters of the system and represent a straightforward way to introduce the necessary Jacobian elliptic functions. The optical nonlinearity is of the Kerr type and the numerical calculations are performed for a self-focusing medium. Dispersion curves labeled with optical power density at the lower film boundary, detailed plots of the variation of electric field amplitude as the wave number changes, and details of the power distribution across the guide are given. Since two values of a wave number can exist for the same power level and power thresholds exist, the system is of device interest in the area of optical switching.