Abstract

Using an array of $m\times n$ nonlinear ring resonators ($m=1$, 3, 5, and $n=1$, 2, 3) coupled to the upper arm of a Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI), we have proposed an all-optical switch structure. Using a $5\times 3$ array, we have shown the possibility of designing an all-optical switching device with a threshold intensity as low as $15\mathrm{mW}/{\mathrm{m}}^2$ and switching window of $\sim 35\mathrm{ps}$. While using $m\times 1$ arrays, we have achieved switching windows smaller than $10\mathrm{ps}$, at the expense of higher switching thresholds, ranging from 37 to $55\mathrm{mW}/{\mathrm{m}}^2$. The whole structure is based on a square lattice photonic crystal of lattice constant $a=600\mathrm{nm}$, formed by rods of radius $r=90\mathrm{nm}$ in an air background. The linear rods’ refractive index is taken to be the same as that of ${\mathrm{Si}}_{0.75}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{0.25}$; i.e., $n_r=3.6$, whereas the nonlinear rod’s refractive index and Kerr index parameter are taken to be $n_0=1.4$ and $n_2={10}^{-14}{\mathrm{m}}^2/\mathrm{W}$. The center wavelength at which the nonlinear rings are designed to make the resonance is taken to be ${\lambda }_0=1550\mathrm{nm}$ in free space.

© 2008 Optical Society of America

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