One-dimensional cuprate as a nonlinear optical material for ultrafast all-optical switching

We examine the feasibility of ultrafast all-optical switching utilizing a o ne-dimensional cuprate Sr2CuO3 operable within the optical fiber communicat ion window at room temperature by using the pump-probe spectroscopy and Z-s can measurements. The strength of the interband two-photon absorption in Sr 2CuO3 is much larger than that of conventional semiconductors, and is compa rable to the largest reported values in pi -conjugated polymers. The intens ity-dependent refractive index, however, is considerably larger than that o f polymeric materials. We further show that the recovery of optical transpa rency after the photoinjection of carriers lies within picosecond time scal e. Large nonlinearity, ultrafast response, and high damage threshold make t he one-dimensional cuprate a potential material for multiterabits/second ra te all-optical switch. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.