title: Switching through symmetry breaking in coupled nonlinear micro-cavities.
abstract: We describe stable symmetry-breaking states in systems with two coupled nonlinear cavities, using coupled-mode theory and rigorous simulations. Above a threshold input level the symmetric state of the passive Kerr system becomes unstable, and we show how this phenomenon can be employed for switching and flip-flop purposes, using positive pulses only. A device with compact photonic crystal microcavities is proposed by which we numerically demonstrate the principle.
authors.forename: Björn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Maes
authors.forename: Marin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Soljacic
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Joannopoulos
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bienstman
authors.forename: Roel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Baets
authors.forename: Simon-Pierre
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Gorza
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Haelterman