# Exploiting bifurcations in waveguide arrays for light detectors

## TL;DR

This paper investigates how waveguide arrays modeled by a discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation can be used as sensitive light detectors by exploiting bifurcations, optimizing the injected light intensity for detection.

## Contribution

It provides an analytical approximation for the optimal injected light intensity near bifurcation points in waveguide arrays used as light detectors.

## Key findings

- Optimal injected light intensity enhances sensitivity.
- Analytical approximation matches numerical results.
- System acts as a sensitive light detector near bifurcation.

## Abstract

An array of a finite number waveguides, driven laterally by injecting light at the outer waveguides, is considered. The array is modeled by a discrete nonlinear Schr\"{o}dinger equation. It has been shown [Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 243902 (2005)] that, when the injected light is in the proximity of a bifurcation point, such a system can be sensitive to small disturbances, making it possible to act as a light detector. Here, the optimum intensity of the injected light is discussed, and an analytical approximation is presented.