Abstract

Using the Abeles 2×2 matrix technique, we investigated the intensity response of nonlinear Bragg structures which have alternating linear and nonlinear layers. By varying the intensity dependent refractive index of the nonlinear layers, this linear thin film technique was extended to model the dynamic response with variable input intensity. This technique also provides the ability to investigate the electric fields within the structure as well as the transmission spectrum for a given index profile, thus providing further insight for device characterization. To date, we have designed structures with a variety of intensity output functions, such as limiting, bistability, switching, self-pulsing, and chaos. The chaos is characterized by a transition from steady state to instability with an intermediate self-pulsing state that exhibits period doubling.

© 1989 Optical Society of America