The propagation of laser radiation in a nonlinear directional coupler with
identical optical waveguides is studied theoretically. Account is taken of
refractive index saturation. Bifurcations of the intensity distribution and
transmission characteristic are revealed, and respective regions in the pa
rameter plane are delineated. Two points of input intensity self-switching
are found. A coupling length vs. normalized input intensity is investigated
for different values of the nonlinearity parameter. Distinctive features o
f the coupler with saturated nonlinearity compared with Kerr-type couplers
are highlighted. (C) 2000 MAIK "Nauka/ Interperiodica".