Nonlinear couplers based on plasmonic waveguides

Abstract

In this work we study directional couplers made of waveguides with metallic claddings and nonlinear dielectric cores. The nonlinear modes are calculated describing the dependence of their shape with the increasing power. Using FDTD simulations we describe the switching properties, studying the power transfer between the waveguides and evaluating the effect of optical losses. We propose and analyse the use of tapered waveguides to compensate losses and improve the efficiency of the device. © Sociedad Española de óptica.