Ultrafast optical switching using parity-time symmetric Bragg gratings

This paper reports on time-domain modeling of an optical switch based on the parity-time (PT) symmetric Bragg grating. The switching response is triggered by suddenly switching on the gain in the Bragg grating to create a PT-symmetric Bragg grating. Transient and dynamic behaviors of the PT Bragg gratings are analyzed using the time-domain numerical transmission line modeling method including a simple gain saturation model. The on/off ratio and the switching time of the PT Bragg grating optical switch are analyzed in terms of the level of gain introduced in the system and the operating frequency. The paper also discusses the effect the gain saturation has on the operation of the PT-symmetric Bragg gratings. (C) 2013 Optical Society of America