Soliton–like pulse dynamics in add–drop optical filters based on nonlinear fiber grating couplers

The dynamics characteristics of picosecond soliton-like pulses propagating through add–drop optical filters, based on lossless uniform and Gaussian nonlinear fiber grating couplers, are numerically investigated under different power levels. To obtain the temporal profiles, the nonlinear coupled-mode equations, that model these devices, are solved numerically. These devices can perform the extraction (drop) of an optical signal, since there is the reflection of a pulse previously switched between adjacent waveguides. The extraction efficiency, recurrently better at low power levels, is subordinated to the matching between the associated spectra of the input pulses and the hybrid devices analyzed. The switching effects, as well the gratings responsiveness, impact on the outputs profiles, since diverse temporal shapes can be obtained. The results reinforce the importance and the potential of properly engineered structures for all-optical processing requirements.