Abstract

Analytic expressions, describing the dynamic behaviour of arbitrary multilayered Kerr nonlinear structures, accounting for linear absorption and Debye relaxation, are derived and implemented numerically. The formalism is applied to the special case of Bragg reflectors with a two layer unit cell.We report on the switching behaviour and relaxation mechanisms in the cavity as influenced by the physical parameters. It is found that, due to strong coupling between forward and backward waves in the Bragg structure, a more complex transient response in the switching behaviour occurs, leading towards sustained aperiodical pulsations as the coupling increases. Absorption damps the transient fluctuations, whereas Debye relaxation tends to enhance them. A more profound investigation of the dynamic intensity distribution inside the cavity reveals the mechanisms of switching and pulsing response.

© 1991 Optical Society of America