The nonlinear optical properties of 20 nm thick Ag films are investigated by time-resolved whitelight continuum pump-probe experiments in both transmission and reflection mode. The dynamics of changes in permittivity ⌬ are measured at wavelengths between 500 to 700 nm. The data is fitted to a modified Drude model in the frequency domain and to a two-temperature model in the time domain. Changes in the individual Drude parameters are calculated as a function of time. A single, coherent model is proposed based on these fittings that describes the dynamics of the nonlinear optical properties of Ag, which could be used to model the nonlinear responses of multilayer structures containing thin films of Ag. The physical origins of the observed responses are discussed.

Variable power splitting ratio 2x2 MMI couplers using multimode waveguide holograms are analyzed. Theoretical analysis shows that variable splitting ratios can be obtained with surface relief holograms on MMI couplers with fixed dimensions. Devices with paired-imaging lengths are designed on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform. Beam propagation simulations are used to verify a matrix theory analysis and to investigate proposed device performance. Fabrication tolerance of the proposed device is also analyzed.

The far-field pattern of stadium-shaped organic microlasers is strongly modified by introducing circular air vacancies within the cavity, so as to control it in a predictive way. Experimental results are in good agreement with geometrical optics predictions whereas spectral properties of emission are investigated to improve the understanding of the lasing modes.

The nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of induced transmission filters (ITFs) based on Ag are experimentally determined using white light continuum pump-probe measurements. The experimental results are supported using simulations based on the matrix transfer method. The magnitude of the NLO response is shown to be 30 times that of an isolated Ag film of comparable thickness. The impacts of design variations on the linear and NLO response are simulated. It is shown that the design can be modified to enhance the NLO response of an ITF by a factor of 2 or more over a perfectly matched ITF structure.

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