Theory of low-threshold optical switching in nonlinear phase-shifted periodic structures

The theory of phase-shifted nonlinear periodic structures operating in the stationary regime is presented. The transmissive properties of the structure are analyzed by solution of the corresponding set of nonlinear coupled-mode equations exactly. Extremely low switching intensities are found for the special case of λ/4-shifted structures. An all-optical low-intensity switching configuration that uses a wavelength-tunable source and a λ/4-shifted nonlinear structure is proposed. Advantages of the phase-shifted distributed-feedback design in all-optical switching applications are discussed.