Optical signal processing using Fano effects in photonic crystals
Résumé
We suggest and experimentally demonstrate a photonic crystal structure, where a waveguide and a nanocavity are coupled in such a manner that Fano effects can be realized in a robust and controllable manner. It is found that Fano structures show superior performance compared to conventional cavity based switches that display a Lorentzian response. Error-free all-optical switching of a 10 Gbit/s signal is experimentally demonstrated. The shape of the Fano response curve is shown to lead to an inherent reduction of patterning effects, which is important for further increasing the device speed.