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Optics Express

Optics Express

  • Editor: C. Martijn de Sterke
  • Vol. 19, Iss. 19 — Sep. 12, 2011
  • pp: 18004–18019

Optics InfoBase > Optics Express > Volume 19 > Issue 19 > Page 18004

Implementation of PT symmetric devices using plasmonics: principle and applications

Henri Benisty, Aloyse Degiron, Anatole Lupu, André De Lustrac, Sébastien Chénais, Sébastien Forget, Mondher Besbes, Grégory Barbillon, Aurélien Bruyant, Sylvain Blaize, and Gilles Lérondel  »View Author Affiliations


Optics Express, Vol. 19, Issue 19, pp. 18004-18019 (2011)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.19.018004


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Abstract

The so-called PT symmetric devices, which feature ε ( − x ) = ε ( x )   * associated with parity-time symmetry, incorporate both gain and loss and can present a singular eigenvalue behaviour around a critical transition point. The scheme, typically based on co-directional coupled waveguides, is here transposed to the case of variable gain on one arm with fixed losses on the other arm. In this configuration, the scheme exploits the full potential of plasmonics by making a beneficial use of their losses to attain a critical regime that makes switching possible with much lowered gain excursions. Practical implementations are discussed based on existing attempts to elaborate coupled waveguide in plasmonics, and based also on the recently proposed hybrid plasmonics waveguide structure with a small low-index gap, the PIROW (Plasmonic Inverse-Rib Optical Waveguide).

© 2011 OSA

OCIS Codes
(250.5300) Optoelectronics : Photonic integrated circuits
(130.4815) Integrated optics : Optical switching devices
(250.5403) Optoelectronics : Plasmonics
(080.6755) Geometric optics : Systems with special symmetry

ToC Category:
Integrated Optics

History
Original Manuscript: May 20, 2011
Revised Manuscript: July 1, 2011
Manuscript Accepted: July 13, 2011
Published: August 30, 2011

Citation
Henri Benisty, Aloyse Degiron, Anatole Lupu, André De Lustrac, Sébastien Chénais, Sébastien Forget, Mondher Besbes, Grégory Barbillon, Aurélien Bruyant, Sylvain Blaize, and Gilles Lérondel, "Implementation of PT symmetric devices using plasmonics: principle and applications," Opt. Express 19, 18004-18019 (2011)
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?URI=oe-19-19-18004


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