Optical bistability is a phenomenon which the transmission of light in a resonance structure varies discontinuously and exhibits a hysteresis cycle. For a higher order resonance structures it is possible to create multiple discontinuities and a more complex hysteresis cycle. In this work, we theoretically analyze and experimentally demonstrate optical bi-stability and multi-stability in an integrated nonlinear high-order microring resonator filter based on high-index contrast doped silica glass. To understand the role of the intracavity power distribution, we investigate the detuning of the individual rings of the filter from the optical response with a pump–probe experiment. The work provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the nonlinear behavior and the intracavity power distribution for the high-order microring resonator filter will help the design and implementation of future all-optical switching systems using this type of filter.
This paper was selected as an Editor’s Pick.
Read more at APL Photonics:
https://aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/5.0002941
22 May 2020