Multi-mode optical bistable switching in two dimensional photonic crystal coupled cavity structures

The optical bistable switching operation in a Kerr type nonlinear 2D photonic crystal coupled cavity (CC) structure is studied using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method and coupled mode theory. The multi-mode and localization property of CC structures, and the principles realizing multimode optical switching are investigated. It shows t hat the self -pumping type and pump -probe types bistable switching can both be realized in the same structure,and the latter can separate the pump and signal in frequency and space.The bistable hysteresis loops with Gaussian pulse pumps is obtained by using nonlinear FDTD method.