Open AccessAll-optical switching structure based on a photonic crystal directional coupler
Author(s) -
F. Cuesta-Soto,
Alejandro Martı́nez,
Jaime Lora García,
F. Ramos,
Pablo Sanchís,
J. Blasco,
J. Martí
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/opex.12.000161
Subject(s) - optical switch , power dividers and directional couplers , optics , photonic crystal , materials science , refractive index , optical burst switching , hybrid coupler , optoelectronics , coupling (piping) , optical power , optical performance monitoring , physics , laser , wavelength division multiplexing , wavelength , metallurgy
A novel all-optical switching structure based on a photonic crystal directional coupler is proposed and analyzed. Efficient optical switching is achieved by modifying the refractive index of the coupling region between the coupled waveguides by means of an optical control signal that is confined in the central region. Small length (around 1.1 mm) and low optical power consumption (over 1.5 W) are the main features estimated for this switching structure.