Novel effects in non-linear coupling

Abstract

Non-linear couplers should be important in optical circuitry, especially in switching applications. In a non-linear coupler the oscillation in energy between the two cores depends on the initial light intensity. New effects which can occur in non-linear coupling are presented, using an analysis which includes an interaction coefficient. For a coupler formed from identical guides, the complete forms for the two invariants are given. Energy components are considered, and it is shown that, for a certain input energy, there is no coupling. In this case there is no oscillation in energy levels, so energy launched in one guide will remain in that guide. The energy required for switching to occur depends on the interaction coefficient as well as the non-linearity.