Transfer of optical signals around bends in two-dimensional linear photonic networks

TL;DR

This paper provides a theoretical analysis of bending losses in linear photonic lattices with engineered couplings, highlighting potential methods to minimize losses and extend the functionality of optical waveguide networks beyond simple signal transfer.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical framework for analyzing and reducing bending losses in linear photonic networks, enabling advanced optical functionalities.

Findings

Bending losses can be minimized through engineered couplings.

Linear photonic lattices can support complex operations beyond point-to-point transfer.

Theoretical methods suggest new ways to improve optical network performance.

Abstract

The ability to navigate light signals in two-dimensional networks of waveguide arrays is a prerequisite for the development of all-optical integrated circuits for information processing and networking. In this article, we present a theoretical analysis of bending losses in linear photonic lattices with engineered couplings, and discuss possible ways for their minimization. In contrast to previous work in the field, the lattices under consideration operate in the linear regime, in the sense that discrete solitons cannot exist. The present results suggest that the functionality of linear waveguide networks can be extended to operations that go beyond the recently demonstrated point-to-point transfer of signals, such as blocking, routing, logic functions, etc.