Abstract

Several nonlinear dynamic effects have been predicted to occur in a nonlinear periodic structure including optical switching, gap soliton excitation, and chaos.¹ Our experimental investigation utilized a Nd:YAG pulsed laser at λ = 1.064 μm to observe all-optical switching in a periodic silicon-on-insulator waveguide structure. The periodicity of the structure was created by fabricating a Bragg reflector, with a period of 162.5 nm, using electron beam lithography. Two second-order gratings were fabricated on either side of the Bragg reflector to couple light into the waveguide. Transmitted and reflected signals from the Bragg reflector were simultaneously monitored to study the nonlinear dynamic effects in the structure. Measurements were taken at energies ranging from 0.5 to 20 μJ. We have observed all-optical switching and other interesting nonlinear dynamics, including several effects that as yet have no theoretical description.

© 1991 Optical Society of America