Nonlinear coaxial photonic crystal

We demonstrate that large-scale photonic crystals can be used to simulate n onlinear optical effects occurring in real photonic crystals. A crystal mad e of coaxial segments with periodic impedance is used to create a stop band in transmission near 10 MHz. When a semiconductor rectifying diode is adde d to the crystal, a nonlinear mode of propagation appears within the forbid den band gap. It originates from a breaking of symmetry and an intensity-de pendent attenuation similar to that encountered in saturable absorbers. Exp erimental results agree well with a theory based on a simple coupled-mass m odel with nonlinear resistive force. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics .