Switching dynamics of a two-dimensional nonlinear directional coupler in a photopolymer

Abstract

We investigate analytically the dynamics and the switching characteristics of a two-dimensional nonlinear directional coupler formed in a metal-particle-doped photopolymer system. The analysis of the system is made using the Lagrangian variational method. The analytical solutions for the system of coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations are obtained using the Jacobi elliptic functions and the dynamics of the system is studied. The surface plasmon excitation due to the metal-particle-doped photopolymer results in an enhanced nonlinear response with a resonant optical field. This surface plasmon resonance-induced refractive index results in enhancement of transmission and self-trapping of the optical beam through the launching core. A potential well description is also used for describing the switching phenomena.