Nonlinear and bistable optical waveguide devices
US4515429A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 1980 |
| Grant date | May 7, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F3/024
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Several types of nonlinear characteristics are provided in an optical device wherein at least two optical materials are constructed to provide a waveguide structure. At least one of the materials has a dominant nonlinear characteristic over the length of the waveguide that is commonly referred to as the Kerr effect. The index of refraction in this material is a function of the light intensity in the waveguide. By selecting materials that provide either positive or negative Kerr coefficients, and by constructing the device with the nonlinear material either as the core or as the cladding layer, power output versus input characteristics that exhibit both limiting and amplification can be provided. A bistable characteristic is provided in one of the embodiments by terminating the waveguide structure with a mirror. Specific embodiments using carbon disulfide and polydiacetylene as the nonlinear materials are disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.