Nonlinear Photonics

Nonlinear photonics is the name given to the use of nonlinear optical devices for the generation, communication, processing, or analysis of information. This book is a progress report on research into practical applications of such devices. At present, modulation, switching, routing, decision-making, and detection in photonic systems are all done with electronics and linear optoelectronic devices. However, this may soon change, as nonlinear optical devices, e.g. picosecond samplers and switches, begin to complement optoelectonic devices. The authors succinctly summarize past accomplishments in this field and point to hopes for the future, making this an ideal book for newcomers or seasoned researchers wanting to design and perfect nonlinear optical devices and to identify applications in photonic systems.

1. Nonlinear Photonics: Prospects and Problems.- 1.1 Nonlinear Materials.- 1.2 Nonlinear Devices.- 1.3 Applications of Nonlinear Photonics.- 1.4 Conclusion.- References.- 2. Semiconductor Nonlinear Materials.- 2.1 Optical Nonlinearities in Bulk Semiconductors.- 2.2. Optical Nonlinearities in Low-Dimensional Semiconductors.- 2.3 Optical Bistability and Nonlinear Optical Semiconductor Devices.- 2.4 Conclusion.- References.- 3. Optical Interconnects.- 3.1 Potential Advantages of Optical Interconnects.- 3.2 Comparison of Electrical and Optical Interconnections.- 3.3 Optical Distribution Techniques.- 3.4 First-Order Analysis of Holographic Interconnects.- 3.5 Summary and Future Directions.- References.- 4. First Implementations of Optical Digital Computing Circuits Using Nonlinear Devices.- 4.1 Introduction.- 4.2 Optical Bistability and Optical Logic.- 4.3 Nonlinear Interference Filters as Optical Logic Elements.- 4.4 All-Optical Digital Computing Circuits.- 4.5 Conclusions.- References.- 5. Optical Processing with Nonlinear Photorefractive Crystals.- 5.1 Characteristic Parameters of Photorefractive Crystals.- 5.2 Beam Coupling in Photorefractive Crystals.- 5.3 Application of Beam Coupling to Optical Computing Operations.- 5.4 Optical Memories with Photorefractive Crystals.- 5.5 Concluding Remarks.- References.- 6. All-Optical Guided-Wave Devices for Switching and Routing.- 6.1 Introduction.- 6.2 Interferometric Devices.- 6.3 Dual-Mode Switches.- 6.4 Other Nonlinear Switching Phenomena.- 6.5 Conclusion.- References.