Bistability, multistability and non-reciprocal light propagation in Thue–Morse multilayered structures

The nonlinear properties of quasi-periodic photonic crystals based on the Thue-Morse sequence are investigated.The intrinsic spatial asymmetry of these one-dimensional structures for odd generation numbers results in bistability thresholds, which are sensitive to the propagation direction.Along with resonances of perfect transmission, this feature allows us to achieve strongly non-reciprocal propagation and to create an all-optical diode.The salient qualitative features of such optical diode action are readily explained through a simple coupled resonator model.The efficiency of a passive scheme that does not necessitate an additional short pump signal is compared to an active scheme where such a signal is required.