Soliton switching study using new normalized nonlinear Schrödinger equations

Soliton switching in a nonlinear directional coupler (NLDC) is studied by using new normalized nonlinear Schrödinger equations (NLSE). The resulted equations have one parameter κL_D only, this feature greatly simplifies the numerical study of soliton coupling in a NLDC, and it enables us to derive the soliton switching conditions based on numerical analysis. Numerical results show that most of the input soliton energy remains in the launched waveguide when input soliton normalized peak power is bigger than 2.5. It is contrary to the existing theoretical expectations which were derived using variational approach. The fundamental soliton switching conditions is also expressed in terms of input soliton pulse width. In addition, it is found that frequency chirp degrades soliton switching performance in a NLDC.