Nonlinear switching behaviors in a compact all-semiconductor optical-amplifier sagnac interferometer device
Journal
IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics
Journal Volume
35
Journal Issue
10
Pages
1469-1477
Date Issued
1999
Author(s)
Abstract
Nonlinear switching effects in a GaAs-AlGaAs all-semiconductor optical-amplifier loop device with a multimode interference waveguide amplifier (MMIWA) for closing the loop was investigated experimentally and numerically. The miniaturized device, designed to imitate a nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM), has a latency more than one hundred times smaller than that of a NOLM. Also, because it used an MMIWA for replacing a coupler in a conventional NOLM, its operation was quite different from that previously reported. In CW signal operation, the nonlinear switching behavior resulted from the combined effect of nonlinear coupling in the MMIWA and the amplification and lateral field redistribution of the signal through the loop structure. Efficient self-switching and cross-polarized switching were observed. Numerical simulations showed consistent trends in varying device parameters.
SDGs
Other Subjects
Amplification; Computer simulation; Interferometers; Mirrors; Nonlinear optics; Optical switches; Optical waveguides; Semiconducting aluminum compounds; Semiconducting gallium arsenide; Switching; Gain saturation; Lateral field redistribution; Multimode interference waveguide amplifier; Nonlinear optical loop mirror; Nonlinear switching; Semiconductor optical amplifier; Semiconductor lasers
Type
journal article