Nonlinear plasmonic directional couplers

Abstract

A study on the nonlinear modes of plasmonic directional couplers created by two nonlinear dielectric slot waveguides with metallic claddings is presented. The calculated power diagram shows substantial differences from the case of nonlinear dielectric couplers. The power-dependent switching and the effect of losses on the coupler performance are studied using finite-difference time-domain numerical simulations. © 2010 American Institute of Physics.