Nonlinear prism coupling in an organic waveguide

Abstract

Computer modeling of prism coupling of pulsed laser irradiation at a wavelength of 1064 nm into an organic polymer waveguide with Kerr Law nonlinearities showed that the prism coupling technique was inherent problems that make it difficult to accurately determine the magnitude of the refractive index change. Uncertainty in knowledge of the gap spacing under the prism leads to errors in any estimates of these nonlinear refractive index changes. Results from prism coupling experiments conducted on a polymer waveguide with a pulsed laser are inconclusive.