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Published on: November 22, 2019
Second-order coupling in femtosecond-laser-written waveguide arrays
Felix Dreisow1, Alexander Szameit, Matthias Heinrich
1Institute of Applied Physics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany. f.dreisow@uni-jena.de
Optics Letters
|November 19, 2008
Summary
We studied how second-order coupling affects light propagation in femtosecond-laser-written waveguide arrays. Increasing the coupling ratio altered light patterns, demonstrating its significant influence.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Waveguide arrays are crucial for controlling light propagation.
- Understanding coupling mechanisms is essential for designing advanced optical devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of second-order coupling on light propagation dynamics.
- To analyze how varying the ratio of second- to first-order coupling constants influences propagation patterns in femtosecond-laser-written zigzag waveguide arrays.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of zigzag waveguide arrays using femtosecond laser writing.
- Systematic adjustment of the coupling ratio (Delta) between second- and first-order coupling constants, ranging from 0.0 to 2.8.
- Direct observation of light propagation patterns using color center fluorescence.
Main Results:
- Observed distinct changes in light propagation patterns as the second-order coupling ratio (Delta) was varied.
- Demonstrated a clear correlation between the Delta value and the resulting beam propagation characteristics within the waveguide array.
Conclusions:
- Second-order coupling significantly influences light propagation in femtosecond-laser-written waveguide arrays.
- The ability to tune the coupling ratio offers a method for controlling light dynamics in photonic structures.
