Critical sensitivity effect in an interferometer sensor.

We report the observation of anomalous behavior in the spectral sensitivity response in a specially designed waveguided interferometer sensor. Approaching a definite critical point, the sensitivity increases nonlinearly. Furthermore, at the critical wavelength a new effect of splitting or bifurcation of a minimum dip is observed. The value of the splitting is suggested as an advantageous measure for sensing.

Experimental measurement of quality factor enhancement using slow light modes in one dimensional photonic crystal.

We experimentally investigate the effects of slow light modes within a one dimensional photonic crystal resonator. We show that the slow light mode leads to significant increase in the quality factor of the resonator. We provide a theoretical analysis explaining our experimental results. We also include the effect of disorder to simulate the fabrication imperfection. Further results regarding the properties of the one dimensional photonic crystal are discussed.

Highly dispersive micro-ring resonator based on one dimensional photonic crystal waveguide design and analysis.

We propose and analyze a novel design of a hybrid micro-ring resonator and photonic crystal device. The proposed device is based on a micro-ring resonator with the addition of a series of periodic defects that are introduced to the microring. When the wavelength of operation approaches the band-gap of the periodic structure, the modal dispersion is significantly increased. The huge dispersion leads to narrowing of the spectral linewidth of the resonator. We predict an order of magnitude linewidth narrowing for a microring radius of the order of 10mum. The proposed hybrid device is analyzed theoretically and numerically using finite-elements calculations and finite-difference-time-domain calculations. We also present as well as the design and analysis of add-drop and notch filters based on the highly dispersive ring resonator.

Analysis of waveguide-splitter-junction in high-index Silicon-On-Insulator waveguides.

We propose and analyze a new type of four ports structure for ultra-compact waveguide splitting. This structure differs from most existing ultra-compact waveguide splitters by introducing complete symmetry between the input and output ports. Maximum overall throughput predicted is ~81% where reflection and crosstalk are <1%. A 2D photonic-crystal implementation concept. Is presented as well. Concept of operation and simulation results are provided. The trade-off between performances and functionality is discussed.

Optical characteristics of the compound PLZT.

We present a summary of measured characteristics of lanthanum-doped lead zirconium titanate (PLZT) compound in its mechanical housing. It is expected that the PLZT device will be used as the main component in an ultrafast electro-optic switch. We have performed several experiments to measure and calculate the following characteristics: optical power transmission, thermodynamic effects, switching speed, and dc drift phenomenon.