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Q: Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 47: Photonische Kristalle III

Q 47.4: Talk

Wednesday, March 15, 2006, 18:15–18:30, HV

Design of all-optical spatial beam switches using the superprism effect in one-dimensional photonic nanostructures — •Felix Glöckler, Sabine Peters, Martina Gerken, and Uli Lemmer — Lichttechnisches Institut, Universität Karlsruhe (TH), Kaiserstraße 12, 76131 Karlsruhe

Photonic crystal superprism structures exhibit a rapid change in the group propagation direction with wavelength. For a fixed wavelength, a small change of the refractive index in such a superprism structure also results in a rapid change in the group propagation direction. We investigate the implementation of an all-optical switching device using a multilayer one-dimensional photonic crystal with coupled defects (cavities). As the active medium we integrate optically nonlinear polymer layers into the structure, since organic polymer materials show large nonlinear effects and fast switching times. This device will allow the switching of an incident laser beam to one of several output positions by variation of the optical pump intensity. The proper design of the layer structure is a key component for optimizing the performance of the device. We present and compare different designs based on coupled cavities. The active layer can be placed inside the cavities or it can serve as a coupling layer between two cavities. Both approaches are evaluated with respect to performance parameters such as switching energy and necessary number of layers.