Title :
Switching power reduction using a pumped nonlinear directional coupler
Author :
Davis, M.K. ; Digonnet, M.J.F.
Author_Institution :
Edward L. Ginzton Lab., Stanford Univ., CA, USA
Abstract :
We show that in a nonlinear directional coupler (NLDC) in which the signal is controlled by a pump of appropriate and different wavelength, the power needed for full switching is 3 times lower than for the same device used as a self switch. This power requirement is only /spl radic/3 times higher than for a Mach-Zehnder switch, which makes the NLDC even more appealing for practical multiplexing and switching applications.
Keywords :
Mach-Zehnder interferometers; electro-optical switches; multiplexing; optical communication equipment; optical directional couplers; optical pumping; Mach-Zehnder switch; different wavelength; full switching; multiplexing applications; power requirement; pumped nonlinear directional coupler; self switch; switching applications; switching power reduction; Arm; Coupled mode analysis; Couplings; Directional couplers; Dispersion; Phase modulation; Phase shifting interferometry; Polarization; Refractive index; Switches;
Journal_Title :
Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE
