1. Understanding and overcoming fundamental limits of asymmetric light-light switches
- Author
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Giuseppe C. La Rocca, Simone Zanotto, Alessandro Tredicucci, Zanotto, S., La Rocca, G. C., and Tredicucci, A.
- Subjects
02 engineering and technology ,PT-symmetry ,Interference (wave propagation) ,01 natural sciences ,Signal ,Settore FIS/03 - Fisica della Materia ,Coherent perfect absorption ,Amplitude modulation ,Optics ,Optical constant ,0103 physical sciences ,Light beam ,Control beam ,010306 general physics ,Photonic component ,Physics ,Quantum optics ,Light switche ,Modulation depth ,business.industry ,Strong signal - Modulation ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics ,switches ,Signal beam ,Modulation ,Optics - Coherent perfect absorption ,Photonics ,Coherent perfect absorption, PT-symmetry, switches ,0210 nano-technology ,business - Abstract
The interplay between interference and absorption leads to interesting phenomena like coherent perfect absorption and coherent perfect transparency (CPA and CPT), which can be exploited for fully optical modulation. While it is known that it is possible to harness CPA and CPT for switching a strong signal beam with a weak control beam, it is not immediate that this process su ers from a fundamental compromise between the device e ciency (quantified by device loss and modulation depth) and the asymmetry between signal and control intensity desired for operation. This article quantifies this compromise and outlines a possible way to overcome it by means of a combination of optical gain and loss in the same photonic component. A general formulation and a specific device realization are both discussed. © 2018 Optical Society of America.
- Published
- 2018
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