Nonlinear parity-time-symmetric transition in finite-size optical couplers

Abstract

Parity-time-symmetric ($\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$-symmetric) optical waveguide couplers offer a great potential for future applications in integrated optics. Studies of nonlinear $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$-symmetric couplers present new possibilities for ultracompact configurable all-optical signal processing. Here, we predict nonlinearly triggered transition from a full to a broken $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$-symmetric regime in finite-size systems described by smooth permittivity profiles and, in particular, in a conventional discrete waveguide directional coupler configuration with a rectangular permittivity profile. These results suggest a practical route for experimental realization of such systems.

References in corpus (8)

• Visualization of Branch Points in PT-Symmetric Waveguides
• Unidirectional Nonlinear PT-symmetric Optical Structures
• Physical realization of $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$-symmetric potential scattering in a planar slab waveguide
• Solitons in PT-symmetric nonlinear lattices
• Breathers in PT-symmetric optical couplers
• Bragg solitons in nonlinear PT-symmetric periodic potentials
• Tunable nonlinear PT-symmetric defect modes with an atomic cell
• Modulation theory in PT-Symmetric Magnetic Metamaterial Arrays in the continuum limit

Cited by in corpus (2)

• Nonlinear waves in $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$-symmetric systems
• Loss compensation symmetry of unequally sized dielectric cylinders with gain and loss