Linear and Nonlinear Optical Devices Based on Slow Light Propagation: Figures of Merit

Performance of optical delay lines and nonlinear devices based on slow wave propagation in photonic crystal waveguides in the presence of higher order dispersion is analyzed and compared with other slow light schemes, such as coupled resonators, media with electromagnetically-induced transparence, surface plasmons, and optical amplifiers. It is shown that higher order dispersion of gain and index severely limits the bit rate of the system. Novel methods for increasing the bit rate are proposed and analyzed. These methods range from mundane dispersion-compensation schemes to the most elaborate methods using adiabatic changes and various parametric processes. The conclusion is that the slow light is definitely anything but a “silver bullet” for most purported applications, there still might be a practical niche for it.