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Integrated Optical Switching Based on the Protein Bacteriorhodopsin †
Author(s) -
Dér András,
Valkai Sándor,
Fábián László,
Ormos Pál,
Ramsden Jeremy J.,
Wolff Elmar K.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
photochemistry and photobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.818
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1751-1097
pISSN - 0031-8655
DOI - 10.1562/2006-06-21-ra-944
Subject(s) - interferometry , mach–zehnder interferometer , optics , bacteriorhodopsin , refractive index , laser , materials science , physics , optoelectronics , chemistry , biochemistry , membrane
According to our earlier pioneering study, a dry film containing native bacteriorhodopsin (bR) shows unique nonlinear optical properties (refractive index change, controllable by light of different colors, greater than 2 × 10 −3 ) that are in many respects superior to those of the materials presently applied in integrated optics. Here, we report on the first integrated optical application based on a miniature Mach–Zehnder interferometer (see Figs. 1 and 2) demonstrating a real switching effect by bR (efficiency higher than 90%) due to the M‐state. Our results also imply that the refractive index change of the K‐state (9 × 10 −4 ) is high enough for fast switching. 1 Electron micrograph images of the photopolymeric Mach–Zehnder interferometer (two oppositely joined Y‐junctions, symmetrically dividing and rejoining the beams, respectively). (a) Cross‐sectional view of a single strip. (b) Side view of a single strip. (c) View of a Y‐branch. (d) View of the whole Mach–Zehnder structure (shaded inside).2 Photographs of the Mach–Zehnder interferometer guiding green light (488 nm line of an Ar‐ion laser).