Open AccessSubwavelength electromagnetic switch: Bistable wave transmission of side-coupling nonlinear meta-atom
Author(s) -
Yaqiong Ding,
Chunhua Xue,
Yipeng Sun,
Haitao Jiang,
Yunhui Li,
Hongqiang Li,
Hong Chen
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.20.024813
Subject(s) - bistability , miniaturization , resonator , optical switch , optics , transmission line , physics , coupling (piping) , microwave , optoelectronics , nonlinear system , transmission (telecommunications) , materials science , telecommunications , nanotechnology , computer science , quantum mechanics , metallurgy
We propose a scheme for subwavelength electromagnetic switch by employing nonlinear meta-atom. Bistable response is conceptually demonstrated on a microwave transmission line, which is side-coupled to a varactor-loaded split ring resonator acting as a nonlinear meta-atom. Calculations and experiments show that by applying conductive coupling instead of near-field interaction between the transmission line and the nonlinear meta-atom, switch performances are improved. The switch threshold of low to -5.8 dBm and the transmission contrast of up to 4.0 dB between the two bistable states were achieved. Subwavelength size of our switch should be useful for miniaturization of integrated optical nanocircuits.