Switching using PT symmetry in plasmonic systems: positive role of the losses

We analyze the operation of 2 × 2 switches composed of two coupled waveguides operating on the basis of parity-time (PT) symmetry: the two waveguides differ through their gain or loss factors and not through the real part of their propagation constant. Plasmonics constitutes a preferred application for such systems, since combination of plasmonics with gain is increasingly mastered. The exact PT-symmetric case (gain and loss of identical absolute value) is considered as well as various unbalanced cases, thanks to their respective switching diagrams. Although perfect signal-conserving cross and bar states are not always possible in the latter cases, they can nevertheless form the basis of very good switches if precise design rules are followed. We draw from the analysis what the optimal configurations are in terms of, e.g., guide gain or gain-length product to operate the switch. Many analytical or semi-analytical results are pointed out. A practical example based on the coupling of a long-range surface-plasmon-polariton and a polymeric waveguide having gain is provided.