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Nonlinear resonators for all-optical signal processing

Ayan Maitra

Published Jan 1, 2007• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

All-optical signal processing will be used in future communication networks. We discuss a new and generic scheme for such devices. The basic configuration comprises an asymmetric resonator within an active or passive nonlinear medium. This arrangement enables all-optical flip-flop operation and switching with a reduced threshold. In addition, a novel optical isolator concept based on resonator asymmetries is is introduced. The model is also applicable to photonic crystal based resonators.

DOI
10.5445/ksp/1000006998

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All-optical signal processing will be used in future communication networks. We discuss a new and generic scheme for such devices. The basic configuration comprises an asymmetric resonator within an active or passive nonlinear medium. This arrangement enables all-optical flip-flop operation and switching with a reduced threshold. In addition, a novel optical isolator concept based on resonator asymmetries is is introduced. The model is also applicable to photonic crystal based resonators.
This paper addresses the concept of active optical processing, in which signals are processed due to a nonlinear transfer function (light output as a function of light input). The particular active device considered here is a bistable optical device (BOD), which typically has transfer curves such as those shown in Fig. 1. Devices whici have transfer functions such as these can be used fc,-- signal enhancement, optical logic, memories, and switching. The aim of developing active optical processing is to achieve high speed all-optical operation, which is not limited by electron transit time considerations. An all-optical processor should have psec response times. In addition, the all-optical nature means freedom from emi, rfi, cross-talk and security, which are also characteristics of optical fibers.
All-optical switching phenomena within a waveguide configuration are of considerable interest for routing and signal processing applications in communications systems. Two classes of device can be identified: those dependent on non-resonant ultrafast nonlinearities, capable of switching at the data-rate of ultra-high frequency signals; and those exploiting the much lower power resonant nonlinear phenomena which, due to their slower (> 100ps) response, are suitable as data-transparent switches capable of opening or closing the desired channels within a network under optical control.
We have demonstrated all-optical bistable switching operation of resonant-tunnelling devices with ultra-small high-Q Si photonic-crystal nanocavities. Due to their high Q/V ratio, the switching energy is extremely small in comparison with that of conventional devices using the same optical nonlinear mechanism. We also show that they exhibit all-opticaltransistor action by using two resonant modes. These ultrasmall unique nonlinear bistable devices have potentials to function as various signal processing functions in photonic-crystal-based optical-circuits.
Optical fiber ring resonators using directional couplers as signal tapping elements are called to play an important role in the future all-optical communication and sensor networks. The possibility of obtaining a wide range of strutures capable of performing wide-band signal processing operations in a guided-wave format has attracted the interest of several research groups. Initial effort focused on structures operating under linear regime showing and demonstrating potential applications as fiber sensors [1], all-fiber lasers [2], Fabry-Perot and Mach-Zehnder interferometers [3], [4], and optical filters for WDM and OFDM [5].
In this work, we study the bistability of an active nonlinear microring resonator and design a flip-flop based on the active microring resonator. In the presence of nonlinear and linear loss, we use Er-doped gain medium in the microring to obtain gain to compensate for the loss of the resonator. Both analytical and numerical methods are used to solve the propagation in the microring with double couplers, and we obtain the hysteresis loops of the microring. The results obtained by the two methods reveal that, in the presence of nonlinearity in microring resonators, the system exhibits bistability, and the gain in the microring leads to a decrease of the bias power when the active microring is taken as a bistable switcher. Basing on the bistability of the microring, we realize a set-reset flip-flop by adding a positive or negative feedback onto the bias. We also find that the duration of the set and reset pulses must exceed the field buildup time of the microring if we want to achieve the switching of the bias signal. In our design, the duration time is about 2 ps.