Models of waveguides combining gradient and nonlinear optical layers

Objectives. Theoretical studies of the waveguide properties of interfaces between nonlinear optical and graded-index media are important for application in optoelectronics. Waveguides combining layers with different optical properties seem to be the most promising, since they can be matched to optimal characteristics using a wide range of control parameters. The paper aims to develop a theory of composite optically nonlinear gradedindex waveguides with an arbitrary profile, within which it is possible to obtain exact analytical expressions for surface waves and waveguide modes in an explicit form. The main feature of the theory proposed in this paper is its applicability for describing surface waves and waveguide modes, in which the field is concentrated inside the gradient layer and does not exceed its boundary, avoiding contact with the nonlinear layer.

Methods. Analytical methods of the theory of optical waveguides and nonlinear optics are used.

Results. A theoretical description of the waveguide properties of the interface between two media having significantly different optical characteristics is carried out. The formulated model of a plane waveguide is applicable to media having an arbitrary spatial permittivity profile. An analytical expression describing a surface wave propagating along the interface between a medium having stepwise nonlinearity and a gradient layer with an arbitrary permittivity profile is obtained. Additionally, analytical expressions for surface waves propagating along the interface between a medium with Kerr nonlinearity (both self-focusing and defocusing), as well as graded-index media characterized by exponential and linear permittivity profiles, are obtained.

Conclusions. The proposed theory supports a visual description in an explicit analytical form of a narrowly localized light beam within such waveguides. It is shown that by combining different semiconductor crystals in a composite waveguide, it is possible to obtain a nonlinear optical layer on one side of the waveguide interface and a layer with a graded-index dielectric permittivity profile on the other.

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