Open AccessA nonlinear plasmonic resonator for three-state all-optical switching
Author(s) -
Muhammad Amin,
Mohamed Farhat,
Hakan Bağcı
Publication year - 2014
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.22.006966
Subject(s) - resonator , plasmon , optics , optoelectronics , kerr effect , optical switch , nonlinear optics , coupled mode theory , nonlinear system , materials science , physics , refractive index , laser , quantum mechanics
A nonlinear plasmonic resonator design is proposed for three-state all-optical switching at frequencies including near infrared and lower red parts of the spectrum. The tri-stable response required for three-state operation is obtained by enhancing nonlinearities of a Kerr medium through multiple (higher order) plasmons excited on resonator's metallic surfaces. Indeed, simulations demonstrate that exploitation of multiple plasmons equips the proposed resonator with a multi-band tri-stable response, which cannot be obtained using existing nonlinear plasmonic devices that make use of single mode Lorentzian resonances. Multi-band three-state optical switching that can be realized using the proposed resonator has potential applications in optical communications and computing.