Abstract: A nonlinear all-optical switching device including a waveguide of an organic conjugated material which forms a nonlinear optical medium. The nonlinear material has an index of refraction which is a function of the local intensity of light. Light beams passing through the waveguide intersect and interact causing diffraction into secondary beams. The intensity of the diffracted beams is a function of the intensity and frequency of the intersecting light beams. The nonlinear material can respond extremely fast and provide a bandwidth exceeding 500 GHz.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 4, 1990
Date of Patent:
April 27, 1993
Assignees:
Enichem S.p.A., The University of Dublin
Inventors:
Duncan J. Westland, Vladimir Skarda, Werner Blau, Lorenzo Costa