Abstract

Intensity-dependent refractive index effects exploiting the fast nonlinearity of fibers have the capability of ultrafast all-optical switching and signal processing.¹ Earlier experiments on fiber nonlinear couplers demonstrated power-induced self-switching of 100 psec intense pulses, using either two circular polarization modes coupled by the birefringence,² or two modes of a dual-core fiber.³ Based on the spatial instability,⁴ different modes of operation such as amplification or phase(power)-controlled switching of a strong beam by means of a weak signal, are conceivable for nonlinear couplers.⁵

© 1988 Optical Society of America