Material figures of merit and implications to all-optical waveguide switching

23 July 1993

proceedings article
Published by SPIE-Intl Soc Optical Eng

p. 75-89
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.148458

Abstract

It is possible to define figures of merit which a nonlinear material must satisfy in order for it to be useful for all-optical switching in waveguides (as well as other nonlinear devices). Here we first discuss the physical basis for these figures of merit. Examples of materials in which these figures of merit both are and are not satisfied will be given. Finally the evolution of nonlinear directional couplers will be reviewed and the impact of figures of merit identified.

Keywords

WAVEGUIDES
DIRECTIONAL COUPLERS

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