Abstract

Interfaces separating different optical media can support a special class of transversally localized electromagnetic waves known as surface waves. Various types of surface waves have been extensively studied in periodic photonic structures, such as photonic crystals and optical waveguide arrays. The latter, however, have provided an unique test-bed for fundamental studies of nonlinear surface states [ 1] due to their easy fabrication and strong nonlinear properties. Nonlinear surface waves or solitons have so far been found at the edge of an optical waveguide array [1, 2], at the interface of two dissimilar arrays [1], or even at the edge of an array with chirped coupling [3]. In this variety of nonlinear surface modes it is highly important to develop a system with easy reconfigurable geometry and strong nonlinear properties that will enable the test of novel and nontrivial surface wave phenomena.

© 2009 IEEE