IV Nonlinear Wave Propagation in Planar Structures

TLDR: In this article, the authors describe the nonlinear wave propagation in planar structures and the two categories of integrated all-optical devices can be anticipated on the basis of nonlinear optical phenomena.

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter describes the nonlinear wave propagation in planar structures. The two categories of integrated all-optical devices can be anticipated on the basis of the nonlinear optical phenomena. The first class of optical devices is that in which the nonlinear change in the refractive index is small in comparison with the refractive index difference between the guiding media. The second category of nonlinear optical devices is that in which the optically induced change in refractive index is comparable with, or larger than, the index differences among the guiding media. The chapter discusses the study of electromagnetic waves guided by nonlinear interfaces. The basic concepts and method used to analyze nonlinear guided wave phenomena are also discussed. The nonlinear TE polarized waves guided by thin dielectric films are studied. The chapter explains that very thin metal films (nonlinear surface plasmon polaritons) can also guide nonlinear TE polarized waves. The experiments reported on nonlinear guided wave phenomena are reviewed in the chapter.