Group velocity control in multiple-beam and Mach-Zehnder interferometers

Sánchez-Meroño, A.; Sánchez-López, Marı́a del Mar; Arias, J.; Davis, Jeffrey A.

doi:10.1117/12.853845

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 28 publications

(41 reference statements)

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“…Instead of connecting in series several MZIs, we increase the number of arms of a single interferometer. As a first attempt, we considered a four-beam interferometer with a nominal length difference ( ) between adjacent arms [28,29]. The system was built with coaxial cables and measurements were performed for narrowband RF pulses centered at the transmission minima (the system exhibits three minima between two main transmission peaks).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Slow and fast light in three-beam interferometers: Theory and experiment

et al. 2012

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We demonstrate the generation of slow and fast light (SFL) in a linear and passive three-beam interferometer. Such propagation regimes occur for narrowband pulses with center frequency close to the transmission minima. A model that fully describes SFL effects in this system is developed and an analytical approximate expression for the group delay at the minima is derived. We demonstrate that slow light is not possible if the length difference between adjacent branches of the interferometer is a constant. If a small length detuning (ξ) in one of the branches is introduced, slow light at one of the two minima can be obtained as long as ξ exceeds a critical value. Simultaneously, tunneling, superluminal, or normal regime is sustained at the other minimum, depending on the system's length. A proof-of-model experiment is performed in the radiofrequency range using coaxial cables and 1 × 3 power splitters. The possible realization and performance of such a system in the optical range is also discussed. This system is proposed as a simple alternative to active systems and photonic band-gap structures for sustaining both slow and fast light.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Slow and fast light in three-beam interferometers: Theory and experiment

et al. 2012

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“…As an alternative to PBG systems, we recently demonstrated that structural SFL can be generated in multiple-beam interferometers of three or more branches [25,26], which are linear and passive systems not exhibiting photonic band gaps. The simplest interferometer of this kind, with only two branches, is the Mach-Zehnder interferometer.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fast light in unbalanced low-loss Mach-Zehnder interferometers

2014

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An analytical approach is reported that describes previously observed fast-light regimes in linear and passive Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZI) where the optical path difference is due to a different length of the branches. Approximate expressions are developed for the transmission coefficient and group delay spectral functions valid for frequencies close to the transmission minima ω min , where these regimes occur. It is found that the group delay at ω min verifies a simple scaling law. We demonstrate that slow light cannot arise in this system, and that tunneling and superluminal regimes appear only for low-loss devices, where the attenuation drives the change in the propagation regimes. The propagation of a sinusoidally modulated pulse train through the MZI is described, and relevant figures of merit, which are intrinsic to the system and universal for any operative spectral range, are determined. The theoretical approach is illustrated by simulations of a silicon-based interferometer designed for advancing pulses at 1.55 μm. Also, previously reported experimental results in the radiofrequency range are interpreted in the framework of the model.

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Group velocity control in multiple-beam and Mach-Zehnder interferometers

Cited by 2 publications

References 28 publications

Slow and fast light in three-beam interferometers: Theory and experiment

Slow and fast light in three-beam interferometers: Theory and experiment

Fast light in unbalanced low-loss Mach-Zehnder interferometers

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