Chaotic ray dynamics and fast optical switching in micro-cavities with a graded refractive index

We report a new type of non-linear optical system that can be used to study electromagnetic wave interference effects analogous to quantum chaos, and has potential for applications in lasers and fast optical switches. The sys tem consists of an optical cavity formed from a short planar waveguide with a graded refractive index and obliquely angled reflective ends. We show th at the classical ray paths exhibit mixed stable-chaotic dynamics and consid er how the intrinsic instability of the chaotic rays could be used to provi de ultra-fast optical switching. We investigate how chaotic ray dynamics af fect the transmission of electromagnetic waves through the system and find that, for certain cavity modes, the electric held is strongly enchanced alo ng classical periodic ray paths. This effect is analogous to wave function 'scarring' in quantum chaotic systems. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Scien ce B.V. All rights reserved.