Characteristics and mechanism of all-optical switching based on a one-dimensional two-connected periodic triangle optical waveguide network

Appl Opt. 2020 Sep 20;59(27):8182-8189. doi: 10.1364/AO.399448.

Abstract

In this study, an all-optical switch is designed using a one-dimensional two-segment-connected periodic triangular optical waveguide network, and its switching characteristics and mechanism are investigated. The performance of the switch is numerically calculated by using the network equation and the generalized eigenfunction method and we find it relatively excellent. Its switching efficiency ratio reached 3.7202×1016, which is 5 orders of magnitude larger than the best reported result. The switching threshold control energy is approximately 1.8×10-20J, which is 1 order of magnitude larger than the best reported result. The switch size is approximately 0.0672µm2 and the integration degree is up to 14perm2, and it can be used for micrometer chip integration. The switching time is close to 209 fs, which is the same order of magnitude as the previously reported results. In addition, the all-optical switching designed in this study not only exhibits excellent switching performance and a novel working mechanism, but also provides a new technology for the design of pump-free all-optical switching devices.