Abstract

Nonlinear distributed feedback gratings (DFBGs) hold considerable promise for application as fast all-optical data processing elements.¹ The fabrication of practical nonlinear DFBG devices requires a careful study of the fabrication parameters which influence the performance. Using coupled-mode theory we characterize the device performance in terms of its bistable operation. Absorption, detuning, taper, and chirp are included in the model. The presence of absorption tends to diminish the nonlinear response but can be compensated for by a careful choice of operating wavelength, i.e., introducing appropriate detuning.² Taper and chirp in the corrugation contribute to some interesting DFBG features, allowing for improvements of some figures of merit.

© 1987 Optical Society of America