LOCALIZED MODES IN A CIRCULAR ARRAY OF COUPLED NONLINEAR OPTICAL WAVEGUIDES

Abstract

A circular array of optical waveguides collectively coupled with a central core is investigated. Nonlinear losses, both linear and nonlinear coupling as well as energy transfer between neighboring array elements and between the array and the core are allowed. The concept is ideal for the design of high power stable amplifiers as well as of all-optical data processing devices in optical communications. The existence of stable steady-state continuous wave modes as well as of localized solitary and breathing type modes is demonstrated. These properties render the proposed system functionally rich, far more controllable than a planar one and easier to stabilize.