Nonlinear Optical Properties of a GaAs/GaA1As Integrated Asymmetric Mach-Zehnder Interferometer,
Abstract
The layout of an integrated asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometer (AMZI) is illustrated. The device is an all-optical switch or modulator. It is based on the more familiar electro-optic integrated Mach-Zehnder where a phase change is produced in one arm of the interferometer by an applied electric field. In the all-optical version of the integrated Mach-Zehnder the phase change is produced by the light via the intensity dependent refractive index. The intensity of light in one arm of the interferometer has to be larger than in the other if there is to be a differential phase change therefore in the AMZI device asymmetric Y junctions are employed to split the light unevenly between the arms of the interferometer. The device is conceptually similar to the fibre loop mirror all-optical switches and the same formalism can be applied to both. The key advantage of the interferometric devices over the directional coupler devices for switching applications are that the interferometric devices require half the phase change for full switching.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADP008168
Entities
People
- C. N. Ironside
- Gordon T. Kennedy
- J. S. Aitchison
- K. Al-hemyari
- R. Grant
Organizations
- University of Glasgow